Gareth Lahoud commenced the next chapter of his riding career in the best possible fashion at Te Rapa on Saturday, winning aboard Cleat (NZ) (Rios) after eight months on the sidelines.
The ex-pat South African started an apprenticeship in New Zealand in 2023 and received good support in the early stages, utilising his four-kilogram claim aboard the likes of stakes winning-mare Casino Princess and Group Two performer Good Oil.
Lahoud’s progress came to an unfortunate halt when he dislocated his shoulder last April, an injury that occurred again in September. Medical professionals advised the 23-year-old to undergo surgery, and after a successful operation and rehabilitation period, he was back at the races with three rides at the Saturday meeting.
The young hoop got a confidence boost early when going down by a head in the first, and in the penultimate race, a well-rated steer aboard the Danica Guy-trained Cleat saw him power away from his rivals in the Rating 75 contest over 1200m.
“It was very satisfying, especially after having my shoulder operation and not knowing whether it would still be in place,” Lahoud said. “It’s stabilised and it’s just so good to get back winning on my first day riding.
“I’d never sat on the horse (Cleat) before, but she (Guy) came to me before the race and said that he’s quite a complicated ride and you can’t tell him what to do, he just likes to do his own thing.
“We were hoping to get to the front without getting in a speed battle, and fortunately it panned out well and we got to the front quite easily. It was really good.”
Lahoud expressed gratitude to his employer, Chris Wood, and northern region riding master Noel Harris, who were both instrumental in getting him back to race day.
“I’d like to thank Chris and Noel Harris for being a huge support through this time, getting me back to where I am today,” he said. “I’ve also had a very good surgeon and physios helping me.
“I’ve been away for quite a long time, but it healed faster than normal, so it’s been a good recovery process. I started riding trackwork a month ago and had been riding trials for about three weeks.”
Lahoud is hoping to continue his momentum through the winter, with a ride for Stephen Marsh (Penurious) on the Cambridge Synthetic on Wednesday, then he will partner Wood’s galloper Embossed (NZ) (Embellish) at the apprentice-only race day at New Plymouth on Thursday.
“I just want to take it a bit easy initially as my shoulder is getting stronger, but then hopefully I can track down some more winners and get my name out there around the country,” he said.
“I ride Embossed every day, he’s a nice horse with a good temperament. He does everything you ask of him.”