The community of Skryne GAA Club in County Meath celebrated with pure joy as they welcomed home their Cheltenham champions. Gold Cup victor Inothewayurthinkin and Cross Country Chase winner Stumptown, along with jockey Mark Walsh and trainer Gavin Cromwell, were honored by enthusiastic crowds.
Mark Walsh, aged 38, etched his name into racing history on Friday by guiding Inothewayurthinkin to a stunning victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, outpacing the favored Galopin Des Champs by six lengths. Reflecting on the race, Walsh noted, “He had beaten me in our last two encounters, so I knew it would be tough. But at the second last fence, I passed him and knew he wouldn’t catch up.”
The event drew hundreds of young racing enthusiasts and families eager to see the JP McManus-owned horse, paraded at Skryne GFC, a club with a history predating the Gold Cup by nearly 25 years. Walsh expressed his delight, saying he’s “still on cloud nine” and praised the “brilliant” reception. He also hoped to inspire future jockeys, saying it was wonderful to see “budding jockeys out” and hoped they’d “catch the racing bug.”
Local hero Gavin Cromwell, who trains Inothewayurthinkin, received cheers and congratulations. Cromwell, who began his training career in 2005 after working as a farrier, remarked, “Having a runner in the Gold Cup is incredible. It’s a massive boost for everyone. We’re here on our local pitch, and the entire parish has turned out. We’re privileged to train such a remarkable horse.”
One local recalled meeting Cromwell when he was navigating a rally car for a relative, noting how far he’s come from his early days managing horses single-handedly. Others praised Cromwell as a “credit to his community” and a “proud Meath man.”
Colm O’Rourke, a Skryne club member and former Meath senior football manager, highlighted the strong connection between football and racing in the area. He commended Cromwell as a local supporter of the Skryne club, saying, “There’s a real feel-good factor in the parish thanks to Gavin’s achievements.”
Cromwell also celebrated another victory with Stumptown in the Cross Country Chase, with Keith Donoghue riding to success, delighting fans in Skryne.