Olive Nicholls to replace injured Freddie Gingell on leading December Gold Cup contender Il Ridoto

Olive Nicholls has been handed an almighty birthday present after being booked to replace the injured Freddie Gingell on Il Ridoto in Saturday's December Gold Cup (1.50 Cheltenham).

Nicholls, the daughter of Il Ridoto's trainer Paul, has been drafted in after Gingell was unseated from Siam Park at Taunton on Thursday.

Gingell, the grandson of Colin Tizzard, claimed last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup on Il Ridoto and rode for Nicholls after his tumble. However, he was subsequently stood down for the rest of the card and will not be fit to take the big-race ride. It is understood his absence is not expected to be long term.

Paul Nicholls said on Friday lunchtime: "Lisa Hales just reminded me that years ago I gave Harry Derham the opportunity to claim 7lb off Unioniste in the same race and won, so it would be nice to get the same sort of result. I wanted to take 7lb off Il Ridoto because he'd gone up 11lb.

"Olive rode a winner yesterday, she's been around Cheltenham enough times and I thought if I can't give my own daughter a chance then it's a bad job. I spoke to all of the owners and she's got the chance.

Il Ridoto and Freddie Gingell win the Paddy Power Gold Cup last monthCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's her birthday today, so she thought I was taking the mickey when I just told her I had a birthday present for her! It's a big day for her riding against the lads who have much more experience, but there's only one way to get it and that's by being given chances."

Olive Nicholls has won 11 races from 65 rides under rules over jumps, but she is 0-5 at Cheltenham. However, she finished second, third or fourth on three of the five.

Nicholls, who has won the December Gold Cup on five occasions, is also represented by Stage Star, last year's winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the ride of champion jockey Harry Cobden. The Ditcheat trainer is struggling to split the pair.

He added: "Il Ridoto has been in really good form. He's been around there enough times and I think he'll run well.

"I think Stage Star will run very well too, he's a Grade 1 winner, whereas we know Il Ridoto is a handicapper. I have a job to split them but I'd very marginally go for Stage Star."

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