Comeback jockey Gary Stevens won the first race at Santa Anita on Saturday, giving him his first winner in North America since 2005 when he began a seven-year retirement that ended last week.

Stevens, who turns 50 in March, rode 5-1 shot Branding to a two length victory in his third race since beginning his comeback a week ago.

It was the 4889th win of Stevens' career that includes three Kentucky Derbys and eight Breeders' Cup races.

Stevens, who turns 50 in March, also works as an analyst on racing broadcaster HRTV.

He is scheduled to ride four horses on Sunday (Monday AEDT) including Tale of a Champion in the Grade Two San Gabriel Stakes (1700m) for older horses.

"You can consider me a full-time rider," Stevens said.