Conor Stone-Walsh describes his first Cheltenham win: 'It was silent for a few seconds and then the noise hits you' Conor Stone-Walsh has been a name on the minds of owners, trainers and racegoers for the last couple of years. A talent on the Flat before switching codes, he has worked through partnerships with various trainers such as Ian Donoghue and Gavin Cromwell. He had his day in the sun at the Cheltenham Festival when riding his first winner at the meeting in the Cross Country Chase aboard Final Orders, the 7/1 shot. Final Orders had already tasted success at Cheltenham earlier this season when springing a surprise at 16/1 in December with Keith Donoghue on board. With Keith committed to Velka Pardubicka hero Stumptown, it was a great opportunity for the 19-year-old to get the ride. Speaking to Niall Tierney from IrishRacing.com, Conor Stone-Walsh said: "The day of the race itself, we were just excited and I was looking forward to riding him. We expected him to run a big race and thankfully he did. He loved the ground, he jumped super. He carried me everywhere I wanted to go. He picked up turning in and he wasn’t for stopping at the top of the hill. "I’d never ridden the track before, but that’s one of my favourite races of the year, the cross country at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Watching them since I was a small child, they’re the races you remember because they’re the best to watch. "I walked the track and when I was in front, I knew where I was going, but I was still second-guessing myself. I just had to drive on when I got there. To be fair, he was taking me everywhere, so I was happy enough throughout the whole race. "When he won, it was silent for a few seconds and then the noise hits you. It’s an unreal feeling, it’s surreal, and I just couldn’t believe it. "Overall it was a great week. Iceberg Theory ran well and Break My Soul, I suppose, was unfortunate for Sam, but I was lucky to get the spare and she ran a cracker as well. It’s just the places you want to be riding really." Donoghue support invaluable "Keith and I are great friends and he helps me a lot. He even gets me a lot of rides for outside trainers with riding work and things with him. I knew he’d be one of the first men over to congratulate me anyway. Even when we were going out, he said, ‘I hope either me or you win.’ It’s that selflessness. "He’s a great fella and he’s been a massive help to me with everything even if it is just with riding work, getting you some rides and giving you advice, telling you what you’re doing wrong, which is the most important. We have great craic together we’re the best of friends. "Afterwards, my phone was going crazy with all the messages and texts. There were people texting me that I haven’t been in contact with for years, but I suppose everyone watches Cheltenham and when they see someone they know in it, they’re very good to message. I can’t thank them enough. It was just unbelievable. "Hopefully for the rest of the season we can ride a few more winners.”
