Gavin Cromwell is looking to find positive takeaways from Inotewayurshinkin’s recent run on John Durcan, confirming that the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will compete in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. The seven-year-old, who ran over a shorter distance than ideal, improved from finishing seventh last year to fifth this time, though he didn’t make a major impact in a race where Willie Mullins’ Gaelic Warrior narrowly defeated Fact to File.
Despite this, Cromwell expressed satisfaction with his star horse’s effort, telling William Hill that Inotewayurshinkin had a tough race, losing more ground than last year due to the challenging pace set by his competitors. He noted that apart from Gaelic Warrior and Fact to File, there was little competition involved in the race. Cromwell believed the horse jumped well, stayed competitive throughout the jumps, finished strong, and importantly, returned safely. He emphasized that their plan remains unchanged, aiming for the Savills Chase, then the Irish Gold Cup, and finally the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with all preparations on track for Christmas.
Cromwell is also considering whether to enter Only By Night, who recently won the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas, in the Tingle Creek at Sandown or the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. He mentioned both races are options and that a decision would be made closer to the date. Only By Night has shown she can compete against male horses, and Cromwell is focused on mapping out her best route to Cheltenham.
Fan Take: This update is exciting for horse racing enthusiasts because it keeps key contenders like Inotewayurshinkin and Only By Night in the spotlight, promising thrilling competitions in the lead-up to Cheltenham. Their performances and strategic race placements could significantly shape the narrative of the upcoming jump racing season.
