Il Ridoto and Freddie Gingell claim Paddy Power Gold Cup glory

made it third-time lucky to finally land the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, with rising star 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 .

Gingell said: “It’s days like this we really dream of.

“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 in the Clarence House at Ascot in January) yet, but it’s definitely up there.”

Nicholls said: "Last year we learnt he needed a run before he came here, just got a bit tired. 

"He had a run at Chepstow, that was a month ago but he's done a lot of work since then and that just helped bring him forward.

"He had lovely light weight and the ground was perfect for him .

"We'll come back here in a month's time (for the December Gold Cup)."