Olly Murphy on cloud nine after Itchy Feet provides breakthrough Grade 1 success

Anyone wanting a glimpse of what it feels like to train a Grade 1 winner only had to see Olly Murphy jumping for the sky as Itchy Feet crossed the line in front to give him a breakthrough success at the top level in the Betway-backed Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.

Down on the infield by the winning post, the 28-year-old went wild as Itchy Feet came three and a half lengths clear of runner-up Midnight Shadow and by the time he had reached the winner's enclosure the tears were starting to flow.

"I'm not an emotional person but that meant a lot," said Murphy. "I've always had faith in this lad and he got a masterclass of a ride from Gavin Sheehan. It was only his second run over fences but he's got a big engine and this has been a well-executed plan. It's magic and what you dream about."

Watch: Itchy Feet charges up the Sandown hill to beat Midnight Shadow

Not only a first Grade 1 success for Murphy, the victory also gave owners Kate and Andrew Brooks their maiden win at the highest level and Murphy paid tribute to what they have done for his burgeoning training career.

"They put a lot into the game and have put a lot of faith into me," he added. "I'm only 28 and have been training only a couple of years so to train them a Grade 1 winner is fantastic.

"There's been a lot of pressure on me since I've been training because I was lucky to start so well and the expectation levels to win a Grade 1 get bigger and bigger. Hopefully it's the first of many."

Connections of Itchy Feet celebrate big-race successCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The next could come at Cheltenham in March with Coral going 10-1 (from 25) about the winner for the Marsh Novices' Chase at the festival, where a rematch with the runner-up awaits.

"There was no getting away from it, he was impressive," said Murphy. "We'll let the dust settle but I'd imagine all being well we'll go for the Marsh."

Savouring the winning feeling were the Brooks family, whose red, white and blue silks are becoming increasingly familiar at the major meetings and there was no disguising how significant the win was for them.

"It's magical," said Andrew Brooks. "Considering that was only his second run over fences, to jump those Railway Fences like he did was incredible.

"Gavin is a legend. He came out and said 'I'm going to come from the back and win it for you' and that's exactly what he did."

The owner added: "It was a brave call from Olly to switch to fences and full credit to him. This is absolutely incredible and an amazing experience with the whole family here."

While winning connections were flying high, there was disappointment in the Laurina camp after the star mare failed to jump with fluency from the off and her race came to premature end when she was pulled up before the last.

Nico de Boinville, riding the Willie Mullins-trained 5-4 favourite for the first time, reported to the stewards that she was "never travelling".

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app