Apprentice Murray Breaks Through at LA Downs
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Apprentice jockey Erica Murray won with her first career mount May 9 at Harrah's Louisiana Downs when Broussard was victorious in the day's fifth race.
Riding for owner/trainer Joe Duhon, Murray guided the First Defence gelding to his first victory from 10 career starts. She kept him up close early from the outside and advanced with him nearing the second turn in the mile and 70-yard contest. He grabbed the lead from pacesetter and 9-5 favorite Bold Side entering the stretch and continued on to win the race for $5,000 maiden claimers by a comfortable 3 1/2 lengths as the 4-1 second choice.
Murray, 18, is a former exercise rider and one of several young riders to be mentored by now-retired star jockey Rosie Napravnik.