Stumptown and Sean Flanagan dark green yellow stars win the Donohue Marquees Cross Country Steeplechase © Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Cromwell showed that he can train banks horses just as well as those over regulation fences when sending out Stumptown to get the better of Fameaftertheglory in a stable one-two in the opening Donohue Marquees Cross Country Chase at Punchestown.
Enjoying his best ever season, the Meath man could afford to watch the race without any worries from the back of the second last, as his two runners dominated proceedings. Genois had looked a serious threat when looming up between the Cromwell pair after jumping three out but with his stamina giving way on the run to the penultimate jump it quickly developed into a two horse race.
Fameaftertheglory soon came under pressure, allowing Sean Flanagan to go clear on Stumptown to register an easy five-and-a-half-length success.
The winner was gaining quick compensation having looked unfortunate to be taken out by a loose horse in the La Touche in mid week.
With eight of the original 19 runners absent and a further six failing to complete, only five finished.
Gavin Cromwell said: “He was right there the other day and was going well (when taken out by a loose horse). I suppose it was lucky enough that it wasn’t too far into the race that he could come back here today.
“He actually benefitted from the experience of the race the other day. He knew his job much better and has a future at this job.
“Sean said the other day he was inclined to jump over the hedges where today he flicked through them. He’s a very laidback kind of horse and takes his races well.
“The second horse also ran well and we’ll probably keep him at this as well.
“They will both go on a summer break now.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
