'It’s what every jockey dreams of' – Il Ridoto and Freddie Gingell claim Paddy Power Gold Cup glory
Cheltenham Festival winner comes home in front at Cheltenham Racecourse
The Paddy Power Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar and Il Ridoto and Freddie Gingell landed the £250,000 prize at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday.
The eight-year-old gelding was a 14/1 shot going into the race but he jumped superbly throughout and stayed on strongly up the hill to beat 2021 winner Coole Cody by three lengths. It was a first success at the Cheltenham Festival for Gingell, who was riding just his second horse at the meeting.
"It's what every jockey dreams of," said Gingell. "I'm so grateful to the owners for giving me the opportunity to ride such a lovely horse. He's a real pleasure to ride and he gave me a great spin today.
Il Ridoto's victory was a popular one with the crowd and it was a just reward for the hard work put in by Gingell and his team. The horse has now won four of his seven starts over fences and he looks like a horse with a bright future.
Il Ridoto's victory was a popular one with the crowd
Il Ridoto's victory was a popular one with the crowd and it was a just reward for the hard work put in by Gingell and his team. The horse has now won four of his seven starts over fences and he looks like a horse with a bright future.
The Paddy Power Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar
The Paddy Power Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar and it is always a highlight of the Cheltenham Festival. The race is run over a distance of three miles and two furlongs and it is open to horses aged five and upwards.
Freddie Gingell was riding just his second horse at the Cheltenham Festival
Freddie Gingell was riding just his second horse at the Cheltenham Festival and he made the most of his opportunity. The 24-year-old jockey gave Il Ridoto a perfectly judged ride and he was always travelling well in the race. Gingell is a rising star of the National Hunt scene and he is sure to have a successful career.
Il Ridoto is a horse with a bright future
Il Ridoto is a horse with a bright future and he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the staying chasing division next season. The eight-year-old gelding has all the attributes of a top-class chaser and he is sure to win more big races in the future.
