VERY few horses trained outside the Czech Republic have won the famous Velka Pardubicka since the race was established in 1874 and on Sunday Stumptown became the first Irish-trained winner of the marathon steeplechase.

Trained by Gavin Cromwell, Stumptown looked to have a leading chance on form, having won cross-country races at both Cheltenham and Punchestown but the Pardubice course is unique and Stumptown found himself last of the 15 runners at an early stage following a slow jump at the 'double' and a bad error at the infamous Taxis fence.

However, jockey Keith Donoghue did not panic aboard the eight-year-old and made ground very steadily. Stumptown came under pressure about four fences from home and it didn't look likely he would reel in the front-running High In The Sky, ridden by local hero Jan Faltejsek. The Irish raider was still a length down jumping the 31st and final obstacle but dug deep to find a little extra stamina on the run-in and won by just under two lengths.

The other Irish-trained runner, Cavalry Master, finished ninth for trainer Peter Maher and jockey Sean O'Keeffe.

Cromwell said: “It’s unbelievable, Keith gave the horse a super ride. He got behind after a mistake at the Taxis and then at the second double and that certainly wasn’t the plan.

“He was last at one stage but, full credit to Keith, he remained patient and let him work his way back into it.”

It’s A Snip, ridden and trained by Charlie Mann, was the last British or Irish runner to land the race back in 1995 and Cromwell was thrilled to add his name to the roll of honour.

He added: “It’s just a super privilege to win this historic race.”

Donghue saud: "He gave me a great spin, he's just a fabulous horse,"