'That's my background' - Dab hand Donoghue proves Cross Country pedigree again

Donoghue has made the race his own in recent times. When he drove 5-2 chance Stumptown, trained by Gavin Cromwell, to victory it was the County Meath rider’s fifth win in seven runnings of the race since 2018.

ALL IN HIS HANDS: Stumptown gives Jockey Keith Donoghue his 5th win in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeplechase Pic:HEALY RACING

There are certainly shades of retired rider Davy Russell about Keith Donoghue, and it was in evidence once again on Wednesday afternoon as the Co Meath rider gave Stumptown a terrific ride to take the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

For Russell, the bigger the obstacle in front of him, the greater relish with which he tackled it, and it was in this race, all the way back in 2006 when, riding the Philip Rothwell-trained Native Jack, he began his Festival journey of success.