GAVIN Cromwell paid tribute to Final Orders after the diminutive Cheltenham Festival winner provided him with back-to-back victories in the Velka Pardubicka last Sunday.

The Co Meath handler saddled Stumptown to claim the famous prize in Czechia 12 months ago and headed back across Europe with a horse who won twice around Cheltenham’s cross-country course last season, including at the showpiece meeting in March.

Ridden by Keith Donoghue, who was also aboard Stumptown last year, Final Orders was always fairly prominent in the four-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong contest and survived the big Taxi ditch. He travelled strongly into the Pardubice home straight but it was only in the final furlongs he managed to get the better of a thrilling tussle with Godfrey, ridden by Jan Faltejsek to emerge triumphant by a half-length.

Very tough race

Donoghue was interviewed for local media, saying: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy coming here – it’s a very tough race. There’s the likes of Jan Faltejsek [on runner-up Godfrey] riding beside you, a man who has a great record around here, so it’s never easy. He did it well. I thought I was going to win easier turning in and it was a good battle.

“We thought it looked like he was going to win well, but the second horse was very tough and gave him a good battle. Thankfully he came out the right side of it.” Cromwell later told the Press Association of the C M D Syndicate’s gelding: “I’d say he was definitely the smallest horse in the race, but he certainly has a big heart. I wouldn’t rule out him coming back next year.”

Following his Festival success, Final Orders went on to finish seventh in the Randox Grand National at Aintree in April, but Cromwell added: “I’d say we’ll give him a little break after today and we’ll aim him at the spring.

“The Grand National is unlikely I’d say, but we won’t make any definite plans. I’d say the cross-country in Cheltenham will definitely be on the agenda.”