Stumptown (4-1 Favourite) made his first appearance over Cheltenham’s unique Cross Country course a successful one today when coming home the comfortable winner of this afternoon’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (3m 5 1/2f).

A winner of a handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day earlier this year and runner-up in the 2023 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at The Festival, the seven-year-old came into today’s race on the back of a pair of victories over the banks course at Punchestown.

Partnered by Keith Donoghue, the market leader travelled well throughout and after taking the lead at 31st and final obstacle, was always doing enough to hold off the challenge of Mister Coffey by a length.

Keith Donoghue said: “I could see the big screen and that Mister Coffey was there but I knew my lad would pick up when he came.

“He gave me a great spin and has been really rejuvenated by these races. It was his first run over this course but he has won twice at Punchestown.

“It’s all eyes on The Festival now. It’s a handicap now at The Festival so hopefully the handicapper won’t have too much to say.”

When asked if he had ever travelled better at the end of a race at Cheltenham, Donoghue quipped: “I’ve seen Tiger Roll go easier!”  

Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell added: “It was a terrific performance by Stumptown and Vanillier (9th) ran well too. I have to be delighted with that.

“I was wondering if Keith had seen Mister Coffey on the far side – I wasn’t really sure.

“The aim will be to come back for the Cross Country race in March and we look forward to it.

“We decided to go the Cross Country route with Vanillier as he is getting a bit older now and we thought it might sweeten him up. He seemed to enjoy it and he could also come back for the Cross Country race at The Festival.”

The concluding Citipost Handicap Hurdle (3m) went to Long Draw (Olly Murphy/Sean Bowen, 3-1).