'They're a pain in the arse at times, so it was good to beat them' - Paul Nicholls has good reason to be pleased and proud
Even before he won it, the stamp of Paul Nicholls was all over this Paddy Power Gold Cup.
To look down the list of 15 runners in the British jumps season's first great handicap chase was to be reminded of Nicholls' remarkable success at nurturing human, as well as equine, talent.
The 14-time champion trainer was responsible for the wide-margin winner Il Ridoto and pulled-up favourite Ginny's Destiny. Second past the post was Ga Law, trained by one of his former pupil assistants, Jamie Snowden. Fancied contenders were saddled by Dan Skelton, Harry Fry and Harry Derham, all long-time assistants to Nicholls, while there was also involvement from Christian Williams, for many years one of his regular riders.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inReports
Last updated
Copy- Ascot and Newbury have lost big Betfair sponsorships but Chris Giles is a reminder that less can be more
- Thurles:'I can't walk but I'm riding!' - Cottesloe Sunshine lights up JJ Slevin's return with Listed strike
- Hereford: Nemean Lion devours rivals in handicap hurdle named after famous Gavin & Stacey takeaway order
- Haydock: Egbert lands gutsy Tommy Whittle success to put Gavin Sheehan in Christmas spirit again
- Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle: 'Big feather in his cap' – delight for Ben Pauling as Fiercely Proud downs Kabral Du Mathan in epic battle
- Ascot and Newbury have lost big Betfair sponsorships but Chris Giles is a reminder that less can be more
- Thurles:'I can't walk but I'm riding!' - Cottesloe Sunshine lights up JJ Slevin's return with Listed strike
- Hereford: Nemean Lion devours rivals in handicap hurdle named after famous Gavin & Stacey takeaway order
- Haydock: Egbert lands gutsy Tommy Whittle success to put Gavin Sheehan in Christmas spirit again
- Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle: 'Big feather in his cap' – delight for Ben Pauling as Fiercely Proud downs Kabral Du Mathan in epic battle