Il Ridoto made it third time lucky with victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The horse, part-owned by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was fourth in 2022 and third last year but this time triumphed by four-and-a-half lengths at 10-1 for jockey Freddie Gingell, one of the sport’s rising stars, and trainer Paul Nicholls.
Nicholls had won the race last year with Stage Star and his main hope this year had looked to be Ginny’s Destiny, ridden by Harry Cobden, before fading three fences from home.
But Gingell, who claims 3lb, took his opportunity and triumphed ahead of 2022 winner Ga Law with Let’s Go Champ in third.
“It’s days like this we really dream of,” said Gingell, who claimed his first Grade One win at Ascot in January.
“Down the hill I saw Harry give Ginny’s 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.
“He was jumping for fun. 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.”
Nicholls said his decision to run the horse at Chepstow last month had paid dividends and was full of praise for Gingell’s performance.
“He’s keen, he’s hungry, he works hard and he deserves all the success he gets,” said the 14-time champion trainer.
“It was a great ride and the horse deserved to win a big one. I’d say Ginny’s Destiny just needed it. He was the same first time out last year.
“Il Ridoto will come back for the December Gold Cup – he loves it round here. It doesn’t matter what he does for the rest of the season.”
It is the second big-race win in two days for Ferguson after Spirit Dancer cretained his Bahrain Trophy title on Friday.
