Il Ridoto (seen winning at Newbury)© Photo Healy Racing
Il Ridoto made it third time lucky to finally land the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, with rising star Freddie Gingell shining in the saddle.
The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding was fourth in the famous handicap in 2022 and third in 2023, but has seen his rating slide since and was looking to put a disappointing end to last season behind him.
Gingell, who claims 3lb, took his opportunity with both hands on the 10-1 chance – who was continuing a sensational spell for co-owners Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson – and cruised to a four-and-half-length victory ahead of 2022 winner Ga Law.
“It’s days like this we really dream of,” Gingell said.
“Down the hill I saw Harry (Cobden) give Ginny’s (Destiny, stablemate) a little squeeze and I thought ‘I’m still happy here’.
“He’s done it really well in the end, a big thanks to everyone at home and all the owners. It’s amazing.
“I was told to be nice and handy, he was jumping for fun and he just winged the third (fence) down the hill.
“I thought I’d got there too soon, but Paul told me that when I turn in, to kick on no matter what so I did and he’s done it easy.”
On where the victory ranks in his burgeoning career so far, Gingell said: “It’s right up there, I can’t probably top the Grade One (on Elixir De Nutz (Clarence House at Ascot in January) yet, but it’s definitely up there.”
Nicholls, who was left feeling beaten favourite Ginny’s Destiny now needs three miles, was thrilled for Gingell, who only turns 19 next month.
“It was a fantastic ride. We changed tack this year, we came here without a run last year and he blatantly blew up. So he had a run at Chepstow – he had a nice weight, was confidently ridden and showed the benefit of that run,” he said.
“Everyone has talked about a slow start for this season, but October is a long way off the end of the season, November you want them right and this shows we are getting there.
“It was a great ride by Freddie and the horse deserved to win a big one.
“I couldn’t get a run into Ginny’s and watching him I’d say he just needed it, also he probably wants three miles as well now. All won’t be lost on him later in the season.
“Il Ridoto will be back for the December Gold Cup, he won it last year and loves it here. He’s not a Grade One horse, he’s a handicapper, but he’s won his big race now.
“Freddie is coming along nicely, he’s going to ride an awful lot of ours, he rides a lot for his uncle Joe (Tizzard) – he’s very much like Harry Cobden was at the same stage of his career.”
He went on: “I did tell Ged I thought today was the best he’s ever looked. Last year he ran out of petrol so it was crucial to get a run in.
“Ged, Alex and John (Hales) are a great bunch and they’ve had some incredible success this weekend, but I saw Willie (Mullins) bought them a horse last night so I’ve just told Ged I’ll be spending his winnings tomorrow!”
Gingell added: “Winning here, in front of a big crowd, in the feature race of the weekend, it’s what every jockey dreams of.
“I started dreaming of this when I began pony racing aged eight or nine, I knew then it was what I wanted to do and that I wanted to be in the big time, so far it is going well.
“I came here today thinking he had a lovely chance and off a low weight he should go close, but I didn’t think he’d win it like that.
“My instructions were he would definitely stay so as soon as we turned in to kick on and he was very good over the last two.”
