There will be a celebratory Braai at the South African Jockey Academy tonight in honour of Damyan Pillay's first winner in the saddle.

The 4kg apprentice won on the well backed Robbie Hill galloper, Red Mountain.

The 10/1 to 5/1 back runner was pulling on the inside running rail around 5 or 5 lengths off the leader but found plenty down the Scottsville straight when popped the question. He strode clear under limited urgings to win going away to break the Maiden over 1400m.

He didn't look an easy ride for Pillay. It will be a day he never forgets.

"The blinkers did the trick. He rode him nicely, well done to Damyan and the first of many, many many more winner," commented trainer Robbie Hill.

"I listened to Mr Hill's instructions, he said ride a patient race and I trusted my horse, I did exactly that," said the apprentice.