Europe’s premier cross-country horse, Stumptown, is gearing up for an extraordinary test as he prepares to compete in the Velka Pardubicka, the continent’s most grueling and prestigious cross-country steeplechase, set for October 12, 2025, in Pardubice, Czech Republic. Trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by the Furze Bush Syndicate, the eight-year-old Irish gelding has already established himself as a superstar in the discipline, with an impressive record of four wins in his last five cross-country starts. His dominance at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals has made him a household name among racing fans, and now, he is set to take on a challenge that his trainer describes as elevating cross-country racing to an entirely new level.

Stumptown’s journey to the Velka Pardubicka is a natural progression for a horse that has thrived over the unique banks courses at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Last season, he secured victories in December and March at Cheltenham’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, showcasing his ability to navigate the demanding obstacles and long distances that define the sport. His sole defeat in the discipline came at Punchestown in 2024, but he quickly rebounded with a commanding performance at the same venue. This resilience, combined with his adaptability to varied terrain, has Cromwell optimistic about his prospects in the Czech Republic. “We’ve been really happy with Stumptown since he came back in,” Cromwell told Racing Post. “Given the way he’s taken to the discipline, I think he’ll enjoy the challenge.”

The Velka Pardubicka, first run in 1874, is a race steeped in history and renowned for its punishing course. Spanning 6,900 meters (approximately 4.28 miles), the race features 31 diverse obstacles, including the infamous Taxis Ditch, a formidable hedge followed by a deep ditch that has unseated many a rider. Unlike Cheltenham’s cross-country course, which Stumptown has mastered, the Pardubicka incorporates ploughed fields, moats, and stone walls, testing not only a horse’s stamina and jumping ability but also its mental fortitude. The race’s unique layout, which weaves through both the turf track and surrounding fields, demands a level of versatility that few horses possess. For Stumptown, this will be his first foray into such uncharted territory, but his team is confident in his preparation.

Jockey Keith Donoghue, who will ride Stumptown in Pardubice, brings valuable experience to the table. Having competed in the Velka Pardubicka in 2024 aboard Coko Beach, Donoghue navigated most of the course before unseating four fences from the finish. His familiarity with the track’s quirks, particularly the Taxis Ditch, gives Stumptown an edge. “Keith knows what it takes around that track and thinks Stumptown will handle it,” Cromwell noted. Donoghue’s record in cross-country racing is stellar, with five victories in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, including three aboard the legendary Tiger Roll. His partnership with Stumptown, which yielded a seven-length victory at Cheltenham in March 2025, is a promising sign for their prospects.

The Velka Pardubicka is not just a race; it’s a cultural phenomenon in the Czech Republic, drawing over 30,000 spectators to Pardubice each year. The electric atmosphere, coupled with the race’s rich heritage, makes it a bucket-list event for racing enthusiasts. For Stumptown, the challenge is twofold: to conquer the course and to carry the hopes of Irish and British fans eager to see a foreign horse triumph in a race historically dominated by local runners. The last overseas winner was It’s A Snip in 1995, trained and ridden by Charlie Mann, a feat that underscores the difficulty of the task ahead.

Cromwell’s decision to target the Velka Pardubicka reflects Stumptown’s remarkable progress since switching to cross-country racing in 2024. His success has also fueled speculation about a potential run in the Grand National at Aintree, a race for which he was cut to 12-1 in ante-post markets following his Cheltenham triumph. For now, however, the focus is squarely on Pardubice. As Cromwell put it, “It’s a massive track, and it takes cross-country racing to a whole new level.” With Stumptown’s proven talent and Donoghue’s expertise, the stage is set for a thrilling chapter in this horse’s already illustrious career.