Steve Richards has finally forgiven Holbien for putting him in hospital after “double-barrelling” the trainer as a younger horse.

A then unraced and unnamed youngster, Holbien kicked out with his hind legs resulting in Richards’ injuries being akin to those suffered in a car accident, including losing his spleen, broken ribs and a damaged lung.

Richards is currently suffering a hip problem but was feeling no pain after Holbien took out the Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Sunday.

Richards spent the morning reading through the Lord’s Prayer and after going out to the lead, Holbien ($14) fought back under Michael Poy to score by 1-¼ lengths from In A Twinkling ($26) with Starelle ($5) a long-head away third.

Holbien has proven a good money-spinner for Richards and his connections winning seven of his 50 starts and a little over $700,000 in prize money.

With some luck on his side, Richards believes that record could be a shade better as Holbien has cost himself races by wanting to hang to the fence.

Sunday’s victory in the Lord Stakes was Holbien’s first at stakes level having previously been placed six times in ‘black type’ company.

“It’s absolutely fantastic for a lot of reasons,” Richards said.

“Thanks to all the owners, he’s been a bit unlucky quite a few times, but he’s been consistent and it’s just great for everybody.

“It was 1700 (metres) today and we think he might get further. He’s only had one try at it before at Flemington and finished second.

“Today, this track seemed to suit him, he got rolling nice, was in a super rhythm and I thought on the turn they had him but he gave a kick and he won well.

“Early on he was over-racing and wanting to overdo it, he wanted to leave the gates and that was it, but he’s more settled now.”