'His enthusiasm is fantastic to see' - Cromwell on Flooring Porter return Gavin Cromwell made a welcome return to form with a 116/1 treble at Gowran yesterday, highlighted by the victory of Now Is The Hour in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase, and is now looking forward to the return of Flooring Porter at Cheltenham tomorrow. The Yeats gelding has enjoyed great success at Cheltenham in the past with back-to-back wins in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle in 2021 and 2022 and also won there over fences as a novice. The black and white scarfs of the Flooring Porter Syndicate were again out in force following another powerful front-running performance to land the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel in 2024, but he’s been sidelined since through injury. Cromwell had a choice of Grade 2 engagements this weekend, namely the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle and the Betfair Cotswold Chase, but has decided to stay over fences. “We are excited to have him back, he is in great form, is 11-years-of-age and he still thinks he is six or seven,” said the Danestown trainer. “It is a small field for starting back and while we did toy with the idea of going for the hurdle race, he might have had to make the running in that, so we decided to go for the chase. “It would be a qualifying run for the Grand National, too, if we decide to go that route, although he isn't certain to do that. “He is such a pleasure to have at home. His enthusiasm is fantastic to see, and I'm delighted to have him back out." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
