Gavin Cromwell: Pardubice test will suit Stumptown
William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell is confident in Stumptown’s ability to handle the unique test of the Velka Pardubicka this Sunday.
Speaking to William Hill, Cromwell said: “We have our first ever runner in the Velka Pardubicka (2:30pm), with Stumptown running in the race this weekend. He left Ireland on Monday morning and arrived in Pardubice on Wednesday evening after stopping off in Cologne. It’s a long journey but he’s travelled well and seems in good order.
“The 4m2½f isn’t going to be a problem for him, but the jumps there are a unique test. You need a bit of luck in-running in a race like this and you’re relying on the horses around you. Hopefully everything goes well for him.
“This race has always been the plan since he finished up after the Grand National last season. We got him back in with enough time to get him prepared and all has gone well so far. We know he’s very good at cross-country racing and although this is a bit different from what he’s used to, we’re hopeful he’ll cope well with it.”
Fellow William Hill ambassador and Stumptown’s jockey, Keith Donoghue, said: “I was lucky enough to ride in the race last year aboard Coko Beach. It is a unique course, but you need a little bit of luck in it as you do with all these types of races.
“The one big jump, the Taxis ditch, would be bigger than any jump in the Grand National, but other than that, and going through a couple of ploughed fields, it is similar to the likes of the cross-country chases at Cheltenham and Punchestown.
“I’m looking forward to riding Stumptown, who should have a good chance if he gets that little bit of luck you need.
“This race has been on the agenda for him for a while now. He had a great season until pulling up in the Grand National having previously won the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. These cross-country type races really seem to suit him.
“You can never be sure if these sorts of races spark a bit of life into a horse until you have tried it, but they seemed to have done the trick for Stumptown. His preparation hasn’t been much different to a normal cross-country race. He hasn’t been for an away day or anything as we have a few jumps at home we can pop him over.
“Races like this give me a real buzz as I love these types of cross-country events. If we did manage to win the race it would be great and a fantastic achievement personally.”
READ MORE: Horse racing news: World Pool to debut on Dewhurst Stakes and Might and Power Days
Ballysax Hank heading to America from Grand National Hurdle Stakes
Cromwell is eyeing another National Hunt prize on foreign soil, with Ballysax Hank going over to America to run in the Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills next Saturday.
Cromwell said: “I’ve had a couple of Breeders’ Cup runners but never a jumper in the States. This year we’re running Ballysax Hank in the Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills.
“I’ve always kept an eye on horses going out there and it’s a race that Gordon Elliott has targeted before and Shark Hanlon won it with Hewick a couple of years ago. We’ve kept a note of what type of horse would be suited to it and we think it could be a good race for Ballysax Hank.
“He won the Summer Plate, had a break, then came back and won again on the Flat, which was nice. He’s had a good preparation for it and although he has a bit to find on ratings with Gordon’s couple, I think he should run well.
“It can be hard to find a horse that fits the profile of these American National Hunt races and you need to have owners on board who are willing to take the chance, because it’s expensive to go there. Then you need the right horse for it.
“I’m really looking forward to the race this year and hopefully we have a good experience which makes us want to go back.”
