Murtagh's Machine makes Waves at Down Royal

Former Birdcatcher winner Wave Machine won for the first time since taking that aforementioned juvenile contest when staying on strongly to land the Coors Handicap at Down Royal.

Slowly away under Ben Coen, the Johnny Murtagh trained filly was pushed along to hold her position early, as Tipperary maiden winner Amazon Lady blazed a trail.

Moving closer on the heels of the leaders over a furlong out, Coen switched his mount to the inside, making late ground up the rail to lead over 100 yards out.

A first-time visor seemed to make the difference as the filly battled on bravely to hold off Amazon Lady and the unlucky in running Spirit of Eagles.

Ben Coen said: "That's her ground.

"I was probably just about hanging in there the whole way over five but, to be fair, when I needed her she was there.

"She took the gap well and she hit the line strong over five. Dusty (Shane Foley on Polar Bear was going well on my outside and I kind of had to take a chance and see could I get a run, but it worked out. I needed to get it (gap) to win.

"I think this is her time of year now and hopefully the ground stays soft for her and she can finish out the year strong."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham