Racing: Murphy double proves he's fit for Cheltenham

Timmy Murphy answered any fitness questions by letting his riding do the talking with a double on Santenay and Candarli at Wincanton.

The jockey had faced a race against time to be fit for the Cheltenham Festival after aggravating a shoulder injury almost a fortnight ago and was sidelined as a result.

"I think the double proves my arm is back working and now it's full steam ahead for Cheltenham" he said.

"I had the ligaments in my left shoulder injected on Monday to make sure I would have everything in working order for next week.

"I only had three rides over hurdles today but I will school over fences for Paul Nicholls tomorrow and then it will be back to normal at Chepstow on Saturday when I will be in action over hurdles and fences."

Murphy said he is looking at a nice book of rides at Cheltenham - where he considers Thisthatandtother in the Weatherby's Champion Bumper and Armaturk in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy as his best chances.