Final Orders makes it a Cheltenham first for Conor Stone-Walsh

Gavin Cromwell claimed back-to-back victories in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham – but with Final Orders rather than defending champion Stumptown who was fourth.

A winner over the course and distance in December, Final Orders (7-1) was ridden by rising star Conor Stone-Walsh, who was winning at the Festival for the first time.

As has been the theme of the meeting, Stone-Walsh had his mount on the pace throughout with Gordon Elliott’s Trials day winner and 2-1 favourite Favori De Champdou never far away.

It was that duo who would still be disputing matters as the race began to develop, but an 8lb rise for the market leader appeared to take its toll after the last as Final Orders careered away for a two-and-a-quarter-length triumph.

As well as Stumptown in fourth, Cromwell also saddled the third home in Vanillier

He said: “The closer we got to the race and the more the ground dried I thought it would play to Final Order’s strengths, but at the same time Stumptown is so good around here. The ground had just gone quick enough for him.

“I knew conditions would really suit Final Orders and Conor was very good on him. He ran really well on Trials day, but his wind was not as good on the softer ground and we actually gave him a little wind surgery after that.

“We were very confident he was in great form coming here and it worked out great.

“He could go for the Grand National if he got in.”

By his own high standards Cromwell has endured a quiet season, highlighted by the underwhelming performances of last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin, who on Friday will defend his title with plenty to prove.

“We came here this week with a nice squad of horses, but it’s still very difficult and we probably had more fancied ones last year. To get one on the board is brilliant,” the trainer added.