Inotewayursinkin, the Gold Cup winner, is gearing up for his second season and is expected to compete in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown during the Christmas period. The seven-year-old, trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by JP McManus, made a sensational return at the Festival last season by clinching Cheltenham’s premier race after placing in the John Durcan, Savills Chase, and Irish Gold Cup.

This year, a similar route appears likely, with Cromwell hoping that a comeback run, finishing fifth in the John Durcan, will help shake off any rust. “He has returned from Punchestown in excellent shape and is progressing well towards Christmas,” said the trainer. “He is happy to be back on the road, and his jumping skills have improved significantly since last season, so we expect him to be even more competitive in this race.”

Cromwell is also training another Cheltenham Festival winner, Stumptown, who triumphed in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase last March before securing a notable victory this autumn in the challenging Verka Pardubicka. After a rest following the Czech Republic event, Stumptown has resumed training, aiming to compete again at Prestbury Park in the spring. Cromwell noted, “He took some time off after Pardubicka but is now back to work and doing well. The Cheltenham Festival is his main target, although he may run over hurdles beforehand.”

Fan Take: This update excites horse racing fans as it highlights the return of top contenders showing improved form and readiness for key races, promising thrilling competition ahead. The progress of champions like Inotewayursinkin and Stumptown underscores the evolving talent and resilience in the sport, keeping the excitement alive for the upcoming season.