It was a red letter day for Yudish Geerdharry as the young pilot partnered his first winner aboard Wave Machine in the prestigious Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas this afternoon.

The 10lb claimer, having just his fifth racecourse ride, tracked the leaders on the 9/1 shot before sending his mount to the front two furlongs from home.

The Shalaa filly, owned by the Nick Bradley Racing Club, kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters win over Executive Decision

“Both fillies came here with good chances (also saddled 4th Mile End and I just thought claiming the 10lb off Wave Machine would give her a chance,” said Murtagh.

“She ran in a Group 1 last time and the ground was a bit quick. I said to Nick that the Birdcatcher would be a nice end of season target.

“It's a first winner for Yudish, he's a very good young lad. I have two young lads Michael Beresford and Yudish and they are watching Jamie (Powell) and they are coming along in leaps and bounds. Hopefully you're going to see a lot more of them over the winter months.

“He had a very good draw and I said to him to be patient and wait for the gaps and when they come don't go too soon. He rode to perfection.

“His Dad runs a restaurant in Dublin and the family are from Mauritius.

“This is his second year with me. He started off with Dick Brabazon and he recommended that he come to me. It's taken him a while, he has no pony racing experience, but he's smart, intelligent, he's light and I think he'll do well.”