Stumptown justified market support to make a winning debut over the cross-country fences in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Friday.

A two-time winner over the banks course at Punchestown, Stumptown had previously been successful at Cheltenham in a handicap chase on New Year's Day. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, the seven-year-old has been revitalised by a switch to the cross-country sphere and was always travelling well throughout the contest, taking up the lead at the final fence to score by a length from Mister Coffey.

"I could see the big screen and that Mister Coffey was there but I knew my lad would pick up when he came.

"He gave me a great spin and has been really rejuvenated by these races. It was his first run over this course but he has won twice at Punchestown.

"It's all eyes on The Festival now. It's a handicap now at The Festival so hopefully the handicapper won't have too much to say."

Trainer Gavin Cromwell added: "It was a terrific performance by Stumptown and Vanillier (9th) ran well too. I have to be delighted with that.

"I was wondering if Keith had seen Mister Coffey on the far side – I wasn't really sure.

"The aim will be to come back for the Cross Country race in March and we look forward to it.

"We decided to go the Cross Country route with Vanillier as he is getting a bit older now and we thought it might sweeten him up. He seemed to enjoy it and he could also come back for the Cross Country race at The Festival."

Stumptown was shortened to 3/1 favourite for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at the Festival in March.