Although it is a rare sight these days to see jockey Ruja Lahoe in the winners’ circle, he has never given up; he’s always working assiduously behind the scenes. Last Saturday Lahoe assisted the Steven Todd-conditioned Powerofgiving in releasing the maiden tag at Caymanas Park.

Lahoe and the speedy three-year-old chestnut filly (Region of Merit – A Thousand Ocean) set off in front in the quick dash over four furlongs (800m) and then fought bravely on the lead all the way to the line. Determine King (Odeen Edwards) was determined to deny Powerofgiving the lead when he drew alongside him at the furlong pole.

However, Lahoe remained composed and kept the 8-5 shot, Powerofgiving, rolling on to win by a nose in 46.3 seconds, with a split of 22.3. Let It Snow (Orlando Foster) closed fast for third, with Pythagoras Theorem (Anthony Thomas) completing the board.

Lahoe, who was registering his fourth win of the year, said the victory was always on the cards for the Orange Valley Estate Ltd-bred filly.

“The last two times she ran, she led for most of the way, so coming today at this distance, I knew she was always going to be hard to beat, and I am happy that I got the opportunity to finally get her across the post in front. So, many thanks to trainer Steven Todd and the connections, and I hope this is the start of more winners to come in the New Year,” Lahoe said shortly after the race.

“It was a very good win. I rode a patient race according to instructions, and did what I had to do. At one point, I thought Determine King had gone by, but my horse really responded well at the furlong pole and all I had to do from there was just help her home,” he added.

Meanwhile, the trainer completed a double when Sterri’s Choice with Oneil Scott aboard brought the curtains down on the programme in fine style.