After numerous failed attempts with different partners in the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) – sponsored ‘Gimmick’ Race, Tevin Smith seems to have finally found the right one – Shauna Wright.

The duo, who entered this year’s race as the reigning champions, successfully defended their title in the popular event run over half a furlong (100m), and pocketed the $40,000 first prize on Tuesday.

Running from the number two draw, Smith wearing the harness with Wright as the jockey — broke well from the starting gates and were never to be caught as they justified their 6-5 favourite odds.

They staved off the late charging father-daughter duo of Oliver and Okhalia Buchanan, who went off at 9-5 . They took home $35,000 for finishing second. The third-placed pair of Quntom Kepple and Shadee Parks received $25,000, with Pete Spence and Kim Richards who finished fourth rewarded with $20,000.

The race attracted a field of 11 starters, but was reduced to 10 as Omar Nelson and Trudy-Ann Chambers were late non starters.

With their track and field background, it came as no surprise that Smith, who trains with the Akan track club, home of quarter-miler Javon Francis and Wright — a University of Technology (Utech) representative — secured a second-consecutive win.

“It feels great to win this race two years in a row because a few years ago, I went in and kept losing, so I have been in training to ensure that we came out on top,” the 23-year-old Smith informed.

“I wasn’t as confident as last year because Shauna wasn’t in training and we knew that the other competitors would be coming strong, but we went out and gave it our all and we are happy that we took it home again.

“It feels even better to win the cash prize; I won’t say what we will do with it, but we have already planned how we are going to use it,” the former St Andrew Technical High School student added with a smile.

Wright, 21, a Wolmer’s Girls alumna echoed similar sentiments.

“It feels good to win again, although I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t really as prepared as he was, but it feels really good to come out and help him win. I think we make a really good team given that we are both involved in tracks.

“I remember when we met at Utech and he asked me to accompany him in this race because he was tired to lose and now we have won it twice. So, I am already looking forward to the next one, all things being equal, and hopefully we can win it for a third time,” she said with beaming eyes.