MIRROR
It was Fergie time at Cheltenham as Il Ridoto and talented teen Freddie Gingell took charge in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
The 10-1 chance mopped up another big race for Manchester United’s all-time great in an astonishing 24-hour period. Sir Alex was two-nil up on Friday when homebred Spirit Dancer retained the Bahrain International Trophy and exciting young horse Potters Charm starred at Prestbury Park.
Then L’Eau Du Sud routed his novice chase field in Gloucestershire, before Il Ridoto made it third time lucky in yesterday’s main event. Altogether the trophies were worth around £630,000 – but Fergie and friends reinvested £180,000 in new horse Un Sens A La Vie as part of the celebrations.
“It’s one of the best squads Fergie has had for a long time!” quipped Paul Nicholls, who trains Il Ridoto for a team which includes Ged Mason and Jim McGoff.
“I texted Ged beforehand to say it’s the best the horse has ever looked. We came here without a run last year and he blatantly blew up so we went to Chepstow. He has been in these races every year and really deserves to win one.”
Gingell, 18 and Il Ridoto met the penultimate fence on a great stride and it was one-way traffic from there on in.
The winner idled late as Ga Law overtook Lets Go Champ for the silver medal, but Harry Cobden pulled up Nicholls’ number one Ginny’s Destiny with two jumps left.
“That was a buzz and a half!” smiled Gingell. “From the final turn, Paul told me to kick on no matter what. I had a look at the screens and he took off.”
