GARY STEVENS achieved a notable landmark with his first graded-stakes victory since his remarkable comeback when he partnered  Slim Shadey (Simon Callaghan) to win the Gr 2 San Marcos.

Three-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Stevens, 49, returned to the saddle only a month ago after seven years in retirement.

Sent off 5.7-1 as he attempted to repeat his 2012 win in the San Marcos, former British-trained Slim Shadey got an uncontested lead before holding the late challenge of Interaction by a length to claim the $150,000 contest.

Stevens, winning his third race of the year, last won a stakes race in October 2005 when Rock Hard Ten took the Goodwood Handicap.

“It was a very comfortable pace,” said the rider. “I thought when we came under the wire the first time if they left me alone midway down the backside, the race was over with; he was very happy.

“When I worked him the other morning it seemed like the horse was happy. I just wanted to stay out of his way and let him be his own man, and that’s exactly what he is.”