Russell gets off the mark for Murphy

LEADING Irish amateur Davy Russell put the seal on his appointment as first jockey to the powerful Ferdy Murphy stable when gaining his first success for the West Witton trainer on Inn Antique at Sedgefield yesterday.

Russell brought the bay gelding with a steady run on the bridle to lead at the second last flight in the Sedgefield Novices’ Hurdle, and he drew away to score by seven lengths from Beat The Heat.

A delighted Murphy said: ‘‘The main idea was to get the horse settled and we did not really think we would beat Beat The Heat, but Davy did a good job and the horse really pinged the last two - we will stay hurdling for the time being.