Murphy secures Grade One glory with Itchy Feet

Trainer claims Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

Itchy Feet provided Olly Murphy with a first Grade One winner in the Betway Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase.

Murphy, a former assistant to Gordon Elliott, has made giant strides in his fledgling career to date, but there is no doubting that a first win at the highest level is a landmark day.

Settled at the rear by Gavin Sheehan, Itchy Feet was always travelling well within himself despite racing slightly detached from the main bunch.

Good Boy Bobby, Grand Sancy and Midnight Shadow were all helping force the pace, but one who never got involved was Willie Mullins’ Laurina, with the Champion Hurdle fourth in the rear throughout.

Sheehan brought Itchy Feet through to challenge at the second last, but he met that one wrong and found himself back in fourth.

However, Sheehan let his mount find his stride again and soon after he was back on the bridle before jumping the last cleanly, coming away from Midnight Shadow to win by three and a half lengths.

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Sandown Gavin Sheehan

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