Afterthought pays off handsomely for Williams as Cepage takes the feature

Venetia Williams did not have any luck at Cheltenham, but there was consolation in the success of Cepage in the £40,000 Matchbook Silver Bowl Chase, one of two races dreamed up by clerk of the course Barney Clifford and the Kempton executive to provide opportunities for horses failing to make the cut at the festival.

Cepage was being aimed at Friday's Grand Annual Chase, but in this fast-run race it was only approaching the final fence that he got into serious contention. At this point County Hurdle winner Bridget Andrews looked set to score on Cobra De Mai, but Cepage flew the last and galloped on for a length-and-a half success.

Williams, who admitted the race was "an afterthought", albeit a welcome one, said: "We only just missed the cut in the Grand Annual, which was very much the plan, but that's nice consolation."