For the first time on day two there was a favourite in the winners circle, with Stumptown coming away victorious in the Cross Country Chase.
The 31-fence contest is different to every other race and is always an entertaining watch.
There were three horses that all jumped the last together, with those being Latenightpass, Chemical Energy and Stumptown, and it was the latter that managed to separate himself from the pack and win by seven lengths.
Perhaps the most entertaining race came for Vanillier, who led early on before nearly taking a wrong turn at the third fence which saw him go to the back of the field. Remarkably, however, Sean Flanagan managed to lead him through the majority of the pack to take third place, but he will surely be wondering what could have been if it wasn’t for the mistake.
Something you don't see often…
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2025
Vanillier nearly leads the race down the completely wrong path! ❌#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/t6PM6zJihf
Gloucestershire-based trainer Martin Keighley had Escaria Ten in the race, who was out in front with about five fences to jump, but he had to settle for eighth place.
Results:
1st: Stumptown (IRE) (5/2)
2nd: Latenightpass (11/1)
3rd: Vanillier (FR) (15/2)
4th: The Goffer (IRE) (6/1)
Jockey Reaction – Keith Donoghue
“When you’re riding this calibre of horse, it makes it that easy. I was only ever hanging in there, he didn’t jump as well as he could. The ground was probably a bit soft for him but he stayed well.”
“Once I got to the last, I could feel him getting going, I was never going to be beat.”
Ownership Reaction – Furze Bush Syndicate (Gareth Dillon)
“It’s unbelievable. Keith [Donoghue] did a great job in all fairness, so we’re delighted.”
