With just weeks to go until the Grand National, all eyes are on Stumptown as he bids to complete a famous Cheltenham-Aintree double. Having triumphed in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, the Gavin Cromwell-trained eight-year-old now looks to emulate Tiger Roll by adding National glory to his CV.
Cross Country success sets Stumptown up for Aintree
Stumptown delivered a commanding performance at Cheltenham, staying on powerfully in the closing stages to claim victory in the Cross Country Chase. The race has long been seen as a strong National trial, with past winners including Tiger Roll, who famously followed up with Grand National triumphs in 2018 and 2019, and Delta Work, runner-up at Aintree last year.
Stumptown’s ability to handle the unique challenges of the Cross Country course – jumping a variety of obstacles and navigating tricky turns – suggests he’s well-suited to the demands of the Grand National. Bookmakers were quick to react to his Cheltenham victory, slashing his odds for Aintree from 20/1 to 10/1, making him one of the leading Grand National contender for the famous race.
Cromwell’s Strong Hand in the Grand National
While Stumptown carries plenty of hopes, he isn’t the only Gavin Cromwell-trained runner heading to Aintree with a serious chance. Vanillier, runner-up in last year’s Grand National, also put in a strong showing at Cheltenham, finishing third in the Cross Country Chase despite a costly early mistake that saw him briefly head in the wrong direction.
A proven stayer, Vanillier will once again be a popular pick, especially with casual punters, given his striking grey coat. His odds have tumbled from 33/1 to 14/1 following his encouraging Cheltenham run, and many will fancy his chances of going one better than last year.
No Grand National for Gold Cup Hero
One horse who won’t be lining up at Aintree is Inothewayurthinkin. The shock Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was briefly the subject of intense speculation, with many wondering whether he could become the first horse since Golden Miller in 1934 to win both the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year.
However, connections have decided against making history, opting instead to target the Punchestown Gold Cup at the end of April. Despite his withdrawal, the Grand National still boasts a highly competitive field, with Stumptown and Vanillier among the leading contenders.
A Wide-Open National Awaits
With Inothewayurthinkin out of the picture, the Grand National betting market remains wide open. Stumptown’s growing reputation has seen him rise up the ranks, while Vanillier’s experience over the Aintree fences makes him a major threat. Elsewhere, Intense Raffles, Iroko, and last year’s winner I Am Maximus also remain prominent in the betting.
The Grand National is never short of drama, and if Stumptown can replicate Tiger Roll’s famous double, he’ll cement his place in racing folklore. Aintree awaits, and with the momentum of Cheltenham behind him, Stumptown’s bid for glory is well and truly on.
Article by Hamna Zayd
