Cromwell salutes Final Orders after Velka Pardubicka success Gavin Cromwell was full of praise for Final Orders after the diminutive Cheltenham Festival winner provided him with back-to-back victories in the Velka Pardubicka on Sunday. The County Meath handler saddled Stumptown to claim the famous prize in Czechia 12 months ago and headed back across Europe with a horse who won twice around Cheltenham’s cross-country course last season, including at the showpiece meeting in March. Ridden by Keith Donoghue, who was also aboard Stumptown last year, Final Orders travelled strongly into the Pardubice home straight and managed to get the better of a thrilling tussle with Godfrey to emerge triumphant. “We thought it looked like he was going to win well, but the second horse was very tough and gave him a good battle. Thankfully he came out the right side of it,” a jubilant Cromwell told the Press Association. “I’d say he was definitely the smallest horse in the race, but he certainly has a big heart. I wouldn’t rule out him coming back next year.” Following his Festival success, Final Orders went on to finish seventh in the Randox Grand National at Aintree in April, but Cromwell is cool on a second tilt at the world’s most famous steeplechase. He added: “I’d say we’ll give him a little break after today and we’ll aim him at the spring. “The Grand National is unlikely I’d say, but we won’t make any definite plans. I’d say the cross-country in Cheltenham will definitely be on the agenda, after that I’m not sure.”
