Shallow River 25-1 for Pertemps Final after last-gasp success tees up Cheltenham Festival option

Olly Murphy could consider the Pertemps Final as a target for Shallow River after the eight-year-old stayed on strongly to win Carlisle's 3m1f qualifier.

Sean Bowen's mount finished powerfully to pip D Art D Art and win for the first time since joining the trainer's Warwickshire stable.

Paddy Power introduced him at 25-1 for the Cheltenham Festival handicap hurdle, and Murphy said: "We could look at it. He hasn't been with me long, but hopefully he'll improve.

"Sean felt he would have won better if they'd gone a stronger gallop. It was a good performance and hopefully he'll keep on progressing." 

The victory completed a double for Murphy and Bowen after Grandads Cottage bolted up by ten lengths in the 2m5f handicap chase. 

"He jumped well and has a good record fresh," added the trainer. "He might be improving as he's lightly raced. He's had a troubled career because of injury, but hopefully he can progress. We'll look at veterans' races now and try to pick up some good money."

O'Neills on target

Joint-trainers Jonjo and AJ O'Neill enjoyed three winners on the day as impressive performances here by Wellington Arch and King Of Tara were complemented by victory for Hasthing in the 2m4f handicap chase at Windsor.

Wellington Arch made all under Jonjo O'Neill Jr to win the 2m1f novice hurdle at 4-7, before King Of Tara struck at the first time of asking over fences in the 2m novice handicap chase.

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