'He just keeps surprising us' - Stumptown syndicate dreaming of emulating Tiger Roll with Cross Country and Grand National double

Excitement is building for the Furze Bush Syndicate as Tralee's local hero Stumptown gears up for a crack at emulating Aintree legend Tiger Roll by landing the Grand National on the back of Cross Country Chase glory at the Cheltenham Festival.

The eight-year-old has proved a revelation since going over the banks, landing his last four starts in the discipline, culminating in a dominant display in last week's Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase when powering seven lengths clear of Latenightpass under Keith Donoghue in a race that has proved to be a key pointer to the National of late.

Cause Of Causes nearly landed the double in 2017 but finished runner-up to One For Arthur in the second leg, while Tiger Roll warmed up for his two National triumphs (2018 and 2019) by landing the same race. Delta Work and Galvin filled the first two spots in the Cross Country in 2023 before going on to finish second and fourth at Aintree 12 months later.