OLLY Murphy made a dream start to his training career as his first runner Dove Mountain claimed victory at Brighton.

Murphy spent four years as assistant trainer at Gordon Elliott's powerful Irish yard before returning to home soil earlier this year to go it alone.

Dove Mountain, who began his career with Aidan O'Brien, was formerly trained by Elliott before moving to Murphy's mother, Anabel, at the end of 2016.

The six-year-old was a 3/1 shot for the Licensed Trade Auditors licensed-trade.co.uk Handicap under Luke Morris and came through to win by a length and three-quarters from favourite Buzz Lightyere.

Murphy said: "It's too good to be true really. He was always a horse with a bit of ability and it's a dream start. It can only go downhill from here!

"He was with Gordon when I was there and Gordon said after he ran in a claimer at Laytown he'd suit my mum. It's funny how things work out. If he doesn't win again, he has a place at home for life now.

"We'll enjoy tonight, but tomorrow it will be back to work and back to the grindstone."

The Wilmcote-based trainer was keen to praise Elliott's influence, adding: " I was with Gordon for four years and had four good years, but it was time to move home and make my own way.

"Working for a hungry young man like Gordon was great. He's a master of his trade and I'd like to think I learnt plenty off him. He was very good to me and hopefully I've brought a few things home and we're looking forward to getting going ourselves now.

"We have 15 horses in for the summer and will have the same again for the winter. I've had plenty of support and it's exciting times."