Paul Nicholls scored another success in the Paddy Power Gold Cup with Il Ridotoridden by Freddie Gingell.
The former champion trainer’s main hope to repeat his 2023 success with Stage Star appeared to be Ginny’s Destiny, who moved menacingly before three zeros only to fade out of contention.
But his apparent second series won the prize 10-1 against 2022 winner Ga Law. The winner is partly owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, who also has a stake in Spirit Dancer, winner of Friday’s Bahrain Trophy.
“It’s days like these that you dream about,” Gingell said on ITV. “In the end he did a very good job and I would like to thank Paul and the owners very much.
“I was told to be nice and handy. He jumped for fun. I thought I was probably there too early, but Paul told me to make sure I got in no matter what. is just great.”
Il Ridoto jumps last on his way to success in the Paddy Power Gold CupCredit: Edward Whitaker
Nicholls won the first major handicap chase of the autumn for the fourth time, with a horse that finished third in last year’s race behind stablemate Stage Star.
“It was a fantastic ride,” he said. “We’ve changed course this year, last year we came here without a run and he blatantly blew up to make a run at Chepstow.
“He was a nice weight and was ridden confidently. It was a great ride from Freddie and the horse deserved to win a major. I would say Ginny’s Destiny just needed it, he was on for the first time last year path.
“Il Ridoto will be back for the Gold Cup in December, he loves it here. It doesn’t matter what he does for the rest of the season.”
Nicholls praised £5 claimer Gingell, adding: “He’s very much like Harry Cobden at the same stage of his career, he’s enthusiastic, he’s hungry, he works hard and he deserves all the success he gets.”
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