Freddie Gingell ensured Il Ridoto would have his day in the sun when steering Paul Nicholls' chaser to victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls' contender, who had finished fourth in the 2022 renewal before going one spot better the following year, plotted a different path this time around after finishing fifth in a prep-run at Chepstow last month.
Having travelled and jumped for fun in behind the leaders for much of the contest, rising star Freddie Gingell kicked his mount into the lead turning for home before the pair skipped into a clear advantage as they headed towards the last.
2022 winner Ga Law set off up the Cheltenham hill in hot pursuit, but a mistake at the last put to bed any challenge he was able to mount, and Il Ridoto galloped on strongly to score by four and a half lengths. Let Go Champ finished back in third.
The 10/1 chance, who was completing a magical spell for co-owners Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson, was giving Paul Nicholls his fourth victory in the contest alongside Al Ferof (2012), Caid Du Berlais (2014) and Stage Star (2023).
"That was a buzz and a half," said the 3lb claimer. "He has been electric today and jumped for fun. I came down the hill cruising and I didn't want to get too soon. My instructions from Paul were to give him a kick turning in if we were in contention, so turning in I gave him a little squeeze and he took off. He has won with loads in hand.
"Coming down the hill I was still happy with him, and I just tried to get a breather into him turning in and he was good turning in.
"That can't quite top my Grade 1 win (on Elixir De Nutz in last season's Clarence House Chase) but is right up there."
Nicholls said: "Il Ridoto will come back for the December Gold Cup as he loves it here. The ground was perfect for him today. He is not a Grade 1 horse; he is a good handicapper and has won his big race. He had had a run at Chepstow, a month's work at home and had a nice lightweight (10st 2lb). He deserved it today.
"Freddie is coming along nicely. He is riding a lot of ours and for his uncle (Joe Tizard). He is very much like Harry Cobden was at the same stage of his career – he is keen, works hard and deserves all the success he gets."
Nicholls was always responsible for market leader Ginny's Destiny, who he feels will come on for the run and a step up to three miles.
He added: "Ginny's Destiny ran the same first time out last year and I couldn't get a run into him anywhere before today. I'd say he just needed it and watching it I'd say he wants three miles now. He is a gross horse, and all won't be lost with him later in the season."
