AS a young child growing up in Mauritius, I was always interested in horses and racing.

Although I didn’t come from an equine background, I was watching the sport on television from as early as I can remember. Somewhat similar to Ireland, despite its relatively small population, everyone in Mauritius either follows racing, or knows someone who does so.

Every Saturday, the local races were on television and I became familiar with both home grown and international riders. Robbie Burke was the most established Irish jockey race-riding in the country back then, while there were also riders from England and Australia.

I learned to ride a pony at a local equestrian centre when I was six, before moving on to horses and competing in show jumping classes. However, I didn’t sit on a thoroughbred until I moved to Ireland in 2018.

As I knew I was coming over, I decided to wait before taking my first steps into a racing yard once I got here.

Transition

My father has been in Ireland 16 years but it was always the intention that the rest of the family would join him. He wanted us to continue our education, while he got settled and builded a life over here, so that the transition would be easier once we came over.

In 2018, we were all reunited; joining my father in Rathgar, Dublin, where he manages Bijou Bistro. I completed the final couple of years in school but in truth, I had little interest. I knew that I wanted to work with horses and become a jockey; it was all I ever wanted to do.

In November (2018), I got a weekend job riding out at Dick Brabazon’s racing/pre-training yard on the Curragh. It was my first experience working with thoroughbreds, the first time I had ever sat on one.

It was a real culture shock at the beginning but not in the way you might think - I knew what each different piece of riding equipment was but had learned all the names in French.

However, Dick and the staff were very patient and understanding, so it wasn’t long before I was also fluent in English terms. Just before I was due to go into Fifth Year, Dick called me aside and advised me that it was time to move on, if I wanted to make a career as a jockey.

He didn’t have the numbers to get me started as an apprentice, so he suggested I went to Johnny Murtagh.

Full-time

As before, I continued in school during my first year with Johnny, travelling up and down at weekends. After finishing my Leaving Certificate this summer, I moved down to Kildare and am now based full-time in the yard.

From the outset, all the staff, fellow jockeys and Johnny himself have been so welcoming. I am very fortunate to be in a racing yard where there are a number of very good riders, both established senior professionals and apprentices.

Having watched racing from childhood, I was well aware of Johnny Murtagh as a jockey and the success he had achieved during his own career.

In that respect, I am incredibly lucky to be able to avail of his incredible knowledge and experience. Johnny sits down with me after every race, talking through it in detail; letting me know what I did right or wrong.

I have also been working with Wayne Middleton in RACE, honing my technique on the simulator and improving physical fitness.

I thought I was fit before my first ride under rules but that experience taught me that I was still some way short in that department.

Johnny Murtagh had always told me it would take a number of races before I felt comfortable, in terms of what position to hold and which horses to track.

I definitely felt better when finishing third on Final Voyage at Dundalk recently; I felt the race didn’t pass me by as the first few had.

Delighted

On Friday morning, Johnny told me that I would be riding Wave Machine in the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas on Sunday. I was delighted to get the opportunity as that filly had some very good form which gave her a leading chance.

A maiden winner at the Curragh in August, the filly she beat (Cairo) had franked the form by going on to win a Group 3 race subsequently.

Johnny went through the race with me over the weekend, telling me exactly what to do. I rode to those instructions and was rewarded with a first career victory.

With Naas being so close to home, all my family managed to make it on the day, so that made the whole occasion even more special.

I know how hard my parents have worked for us, to give us a better life, so I was delighted that I could make them so proud.

My brother Vedish, who like me, has always been passionate about racing was also present at Naas. He went on to study in college after finishing school but later worked for Coolmore and is now in Ballydoyle.

It was fantastic to be able to share the success with him, as he, more than most, understood what it meant to me.

Opportunities

My main goal for this year is to ride out my 10lb claim. Hopefully I will get opportunities at Dundalk over the coming weeks.

Aside from gaining experience, race-riding will also help improve both my technique and confidence.

Looking further ahead to 2023, the aims would be more or less the same; pick up as many rides as possible, get on a few winners and stay healthy and injury free.

Yudish Geerdharry was in conversation with John O’Riordan