Gavin Cromwell Gears Up Strong Trio for Cheltenham Cross Country Chase
January 8, 2026
Gavin Cromwell is assembling a strong three-horse team for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, led by Stumptown, the Velka Pardubicka winner who may go straight to Cheltenham after a season win on Czech soil.
Stablemates Vanillier and Final Orders are also being prepared for cross-country competition and are expected to be entered in the Cheltenham cross-country race on Trials Day.
Vanillier finished third behind Stumptown at last year’s Festival, underscoring strong form and suitability for the cross-country challenge.
Cromwell indicates Stumptown will likely proceed directly to Cheltenham, with no intermediate targets mentioned.
Stumptown was the 5-2 favourite when winning the Pardubicka in 2025 and has recently scored a notable victory on Czech soil before a training reset.
Stumptown, the 2025 Cheltenham cross-country champion, is returning from a break and is described as in full work and fit for the Festival, with plans to head to Cheltenham without a prior race this season.
Summary based on 6 sources
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Sources

Eastern Daily Press • Jan 8, 2026
Cromwell building a strong team for cross country defence
Watford Observer • Jan 8, 2026
Cromwell building a strong team for cross country defence
Stroud News and Journal • Jan 8, 2026
Cromwell building a strong team for cross country defence
Herts Advertiser • Jan 8, 2026
Cromwell building a strong team for cross country defence