Keith Donoghue lands record-breaking Cross Country victory as Stumptown defies topweight for Gavin Cromwell

Stumptown defied topweight to provide jockey Keith Donoghue with record-breaking fifth success in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Donoghue, who steered Tiger Roll to three victories in the race in 2018, 2019 and 2021, finished strongly onboard the Gavin Cromwell-trained eight-year-old, who pulled clear of Latenightpass.

Stumptown, who was winning at Cheltenham for the third time, had to make up a lot of ground on the approach to the final fence, but he was switched left by Donoghue and he powered clear of the second after jumping the last obstacle.

Stablemate Vanillier ran a huge race to finish third, although the ten-year-old and jockey Sean Flanagan had a lot to overcome after they almost veered off course instead of turning at the canal turn during the early stages.

The Gordon Elliott-trained The Goffer stayed on strongly to finish fourth and Mister Coffey came fifth for Nicky Henderson after leading during the middle part of the race.

What the winning trainer said

Gavin Cromwell: "I was very concerned for a while to be honest, but he has ended up running out a good winner in the end. I don’t think Keith thought he was at his best either, but we will take it anyway. 

I don’t have an explanation why he didn’t travel as well today, but we got away with it and he won. The cheekpieces just helped him at the finish, but he has thrived over these fences. 

"Keith is definitely worth a few pounds around here. He's ultra-professional and there is no stone unturned with him. 

"He's in the Grand National and we will aim him at it, but it's coming soon enough. All being well, he will go there."

Stumptown and Keith Donoghue with Grace Mulhall after winning the Glenfarclas Cross Country ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

What the winning rider said

Keith Donoghue: "I’m riding for the right people, for Gordon [Elliott] before and Gavin now. When you’re riding this calibre of horse, it makes it easier.

"I was only ever hanging in there. He didn’t jump as well as he could. The ground is probably a bit soft for him, but he stays well and I knew going to the last, I could feel him getting going and that he was never going to be beat. He really likes these fences. I was glad we put the cheekpieces on him."

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