The Gold Cup-winning handler sent Stumptown to conquer the Velka Pardubicka in the Czech Republic and this weekend Ballysax Hank runs in the American Grand National
Globetrotting trainer Gavin Cromwell is off to America after mopping up many of the big races over jumps. The Irishman broke new ground in March when Inothewayurthinkin stepped forward to take the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
While the superstar is limbering up for the new season, Cromwell has been leaving no stone unturned in his quest to win more major titles. Game stayer Stumptown registered a famous first in the Velka Pardubicka cross country race in the Czech Republic on Sunday. And inside a week, stablemate Ballysax Hank will bid for a brilliant double inside seven days when he tackles Saturday’s American Grand National at Far Hills.
Irish-trained horses have a good record in it, with Jury Duty going in for Gordon Elliott in 2018 before Shark Hanlon’s stable star Hewick obliged three years ago.
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Ballysax Hank warmed up for the trip by cantering home for Harry Cobden in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen, which was followed by a successful spin on the Flat on home turf. “I’ve had a couple of Breeders’ Cup runners but never a jumper in the States,” William Hill ambassador Cromwell said.
“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.”
After performing miracles to stay on Stumptown at one of the jumps, Keith Donoghue is jetting to America for the ride.
Hills make Ballysax Hank a 7-2 chance in a market headed by Elliott’s versatile performer Zanahiyr.
The firm’s spokesman Lee Phelps said: “Saturday’s American Grand National features a very strong Irish contingent looking to take another prestigious international racing prize back to the Emerald Isle. Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue were the Velká Pardubická heroes last week, and we think their raider, Ballysax Hank, has every chance of glory at Far Hills this weekend.
“We make the Summer Plate winner a 7-2 chance to score across the pond, second in the market only to Zanahiyr at 9-4. Gordon Elliott’s favourite is joined by another Cullentra runner in Fil Dor at 4-1, which suggests that the Irish are about to dominate yet another Grand National.”