Murphy off the mark on family-owned Akmaam

It was a red letter day for Emma Murphy at Dundalk this evening as she partnered her first winner aboard Akmaam in her mother Gail's colours, in the concluding mile handicap.

The 10lb claimer, riding for boss Johnny Levins, met some traffic problems down the straight but stayed composed on the 10/1 shot (20/1 this morning) and got a clear run inside the final furlong.

Her mount finished off well to grab front-runner Leabaland in the dying strides to record a head victory.

It was an eight ride for Murphy who said afterwards:- "I'm absolutely delighted with him.

"It is my mum that owns him, it is great for the whole family.

"It is an incredible feeling, it is something you just don't know how it feels until you experience it.

"I did (think she was up). He has been going really well at home for us.

"I'm from Kilcullen, Co Kildare and I'm 18. I've been riding horses all my life and come from a showjumping background. All my family was into racing and I knew this was what I wanted.

"I am apprenticed to Johnny and he has been absolutely incredible to me from day one. He has always believed in us and has always given us every chance. He minds us really well.

"Onwards and upwards, exactly."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)