RACING: Leading Irish amateur Davy Russell put the seal on his appointment as first jockey to the powerful Ferdy Murphy stable (taking over from Adrian Maguire) 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.

"It is nice to get the first winner for Davy out of the way, we have a lot of nice horses for him to ride this week as well - he is a very cool lad and a very good rider and we are pleased to have him on our side."

Russell said: "I had my first rides for Ferdy since I got the job last Thursday and have had a few finishing placed, but they have all been running well and it is good to have my first winner for the stable."

Russell (23) went on: "I have ridden 150 point-to-point winners and 70 under Rules back home and Ferdy gave me my first ride at the Cheltenham Festival on Tony's Tip four years ago.

"Tom O'Mahoney, a bloodstock agent, rang me and told me there was a job going at Ferdy's and asked was if I was interested - it is a great opportunity and he has some lovely horses in the yard."

Nicky Richards' patience is paying off, and Lord Jack, one of five horses he trains for Trevor Hemmings, continued his good strike rate with his young jumpers when he gained a convincing success under Brian Harding in the Alderclad Roofing Novices' Chase.