3 minute read
Gavin Cromwell has big targets in mind for Cheltenham handicap winner Stumptown, who improved for the application of blinkers on New Year’s Day.
Pulled up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, the seven-year-old returned to his best with a comfortable five-length victory in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day under Keith Donoghue. The gelding finished second in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase at the Festival in March and is expected to return to Gloucestershire for a tilt at the same race or the Ultima Handicap Chase.
"I was delighted with him," said Cromwell.
"Going back to a small field, a bit of ease in the ground compared to Newbury, I suppose lowering our sights a bit and the blinkers applied, it was nice to get his head in front again.
"He'd lost his way since his good run there at the Festival. He ran in the Irish Grand National after having a hard race at Cheltenham and I'd say it took its toll and it just took him a while to get back this year.
"He ran well enough in the Kerry National, but made a couple of mistakes, which you just can't get away with in those competitive handicaps.
"He'll probably go to the Festival as I'm sure the owners would love to go back. I suppose the obvious races are the Kim Muir again or the Ultima and we'll just wait and see which we go."
With Stumptown's rating currently standing at 142, connections can dream of bigger handicap glory.
"The Grand National is a possibility and the Irish National is a possibility as well," added Cromwell.