- More
Grand National runner-up Vanillier cut for Cross Country after first win in over three years

In a season to remember for Gavin Cromwell one horse who had escaped the headlines was 2023 Grand National runner-up Vanillier, but he came back to form with a vengeance with a dominant display in the opening banks race.
The ten-year-old travelled and jumped with an enthusiasm he has not shown for some time in first-time blinkers, and the manner in which he strode clear from the second-last when asked by Keith Donoghue was impressive.Â
Paddy Power cut him to 10-1 (from 20) for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham for which stablemate Stumptown is 3-1 favourite. A small selection headache perhaps for Donoghue.
Vanillier had 18 lengths to spare over last year's winner Coko Beach, with 2023 winner Stealthy Tom in third. Cromwell said: "It's great to see him back. He had just lost his way but just lately, and for whatever reason, he has really sharpened up. The blinkers were a help but he just enjoyed himself."
On the path he would go with the 2021 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner, Cromwell said: "Obviously he is entered in the Grand National and he has the option of the Cross Country at Cheltenham. I don't know what route we will take at the moment but he is back motoring again.Â
"I'd just be concerned that he's on a mark that he might not get into the National but what he did today will help."
Cromwell added: "You'd imagine that if the handicapper is going to give him a little above his Irish mark, that he'll give him a little more seeing that he's in form and has good Aintree form too."
The powerhouse that Cromwell has become was exhibited by him equalling his previous best domestic seasonal tally with three months of the season still to go. That 72nd winner of the campaign came with the second leg of a quickfire double when Conor Stone-Walsh won the feature 2m6f mares' handicap chase on Theonewedreamof.

The daughter of French Navy reeled in early leader Sainte Dona between the last two fences and in the end did only what she had to in holding off the rallying pacesetter by a length and a half.
Cromwell said: "We were a litle bit disappointed with her last time, but she can be in and out, that's just her. When she's on a going day she's not too bad. It was very straightforward and Conor was very good on her."
Mullins treble
Vanillier was not the only Cheltenham Festival scorer getting back to winning ways as Sir Gerhard landed the Up The Yard Challenge Race under Aimee Morrissey. The finale was restricted to nominated riders who had not ridden under rules or in a point-to-point.
Paul Townend, who won on Ethical Diamond and Argento Boy for Sir Gerhard's trainer Willie Mullins, led up the Cheveley Park Stud-owned ten-year-old before he was steered to a four-length victory.

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.
- Kelso: Lucinda Russell warms up for big weekend with magnificent treble while O'Neills make the most of Borders trek
- 'I'd also love to have a Cheltenham Festival winner' - Sean Bowen gunning for more after 1,000th victory
- Southwell: 'The Lincoln could suit him' - Apiarist lands feature to put himself in frame for turf season's first big handicap
- Sandown: Hollywood for Hollygrove Cha Cha as film star Jamie Snowden's winner sets up Cheltenham Festival tilt
- Clonmel: 'He could have an each-way chance coming at a few horses from behind' - Albert Bartlett hope tees up Cheltenham bid
- Kelso: Lucinda Russell warms up for big weekend with magnificent treble while O'Neills make the most of Borders trek
- 'I'd also love to have a Cheltenham Festival winner' - Sean Bowen gunning for more after 1,000th victory
- Southwell: 'The Lincoln could suit him' - Apiarist lands feature to put himself in frame for turf season's first big handicap
- Sandown: Hollywood for Hollygrove Cha Cha as film star Jamie Snowden's winner sets up Cheltenham Festival tilt
- Clonmel: 'He could have an each-way chance coming at a few horses from behind' - Albert Bartlett hope tees up Cheltenham bid