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.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"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."

Nicholls silenced doubters of his Ditcheat stable's form with a 124-1 five-timer at Wincanton last Saturday as he continues to chip into Dan Skelton's title advantage.

The trainers were collared by last season and L'Eau Du Sud pushed Britain's early leader past the £1 million mark with his 11-length Paddy Power Arkle Trial romp.

"With a horse like him you are entitled to get excited," said Skelton, whose grey is 10-1 to put his experience to good use in March.

William Hill slashed East India Dock to the same price for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, after he kick-started an excellent afternoon for favourite backers in style.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our