RENOWNED Jamaican-born jockey Rajiv Maragh made a highly anticipated return to race riding on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Gulfstream Park, ending a two-year break from competition.

Maragh was down to ride two horses and finished down the track on Gabagool, trained by his father Colin, while his other mount, Supers Lucky Lady, was declared a late non-starter.

During his time away from the saddle, Maragh worked in the media with NYRA and
Fox Sports, in the process covering the prestigious Mouttet Mile last December in his homeland.

Just days ago Maragh, his wife Angelina, and son Luka welcomed the birth of the fourth family member, daughter Lilah.

“In 2005, when Angelina and I started dating, I was an apprentice at Gulfstream Park and I won my first Graded Stakes race in the Hurricane Bertie stakes for Allen Jerkens, and the filly’s name was Lilah,” Maragh said. “Way back then, Angie and I said if we ever have a daughter we’re going to name her Lilah.”

“The birth of Lilah brings a lot of joy not only for Angie, Luka and myself, but also for our extended families. She is a beautiful girl,” Maragh said.

As for returning to the saddle Maragh, who has several Breeders’ Cup wins to his credit, said the decision was a family one, and one made also in relation to settling in Florida.

“To be in racing with a young family and travelling became a bit impractical.

“I’ve been doing a lot of travelling over the last two years. As such, I’ve not been able to be at home for many nights.

“When I was at the last race meet at Saratoga, my wife and I discussed what we wanted in life going forward. The number one thing we wanted was to come home together as a family. Our main residence is in South Florida, and that is why riding was placed on the table,” Maragh said.

About his preparation for his return, Maragh revealed that he has been mounting up for the last three to four weeks, and has been doing the physical work required to get his weight down at the start to about 121-122 lbs.

“Two and a half years and not being on horses, it takes time to get back into the swing. I want to gradually work my way into it so that by November, I am in full swing.”