Cromwell assembling a strong team for cross country defence

Velka Pardubicka hero Stumptown could head straight to the Cheltenham Festival, where Gavin Cromwell is assembling a crack three-strong team for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Stumptown was sent off the 5-2 favourite when romping to victory in the Festival’s most unique event in 2025 and his handler has no qualms about defending his title on the back of just one run this season, when landing a famous victory on Czech soil.

Cromwell said: “Stumptown had a break after the Pardubicka but is fine. He’s back in full work now and we’re happy with him.

“He’ll probably just go straight there to Cheltenham, I would say.”

Joining Stumptown in the Cotswolds in March could be stablemates Vanillier and Final Orders who have both also shown a liking to the challenge of cross-country racing.

Vanillier was third to Stumptown at the Festival last year, while Final Orders excelled in a similar event at Cheltenham in December and are likely to be given a further chance to state their claims at Prestbury Park on Trials day later this month.

Cromwell added: “Vanillier and Final Orders will have an entry in the cross-country race at Cheltenham on Trials day.

“Hopefully we will have a nice team for the race at the Festival.”