Joseph “Ben” Creed, the seventh graduate of the North American Racing Academy, made his debut as a professional jockey on May 29 at River Downs.

The Kentucky-native rode three-year-old filly Justa Little Risky to a second-place finish by a neck in a six-furlong maiden claiming race. The only NARA graduate to win his racing debut was Mike Straight.

“My first race was better than I could have ever imagined,” Creed said. “It was the greatest feeling in the world.”

Creed said because he did not grow up in the horse industry and, prior to joining NARA, he had never mounted a Thoroughbred.

Creed’s next race is scheduled for June 7 at River Downs.