TOP trainer Paul Nicholls’ 19-year-old daughter has been given a huge Cheltenham ride – after getting Sir Alex Ferguson’s blessing.
Olive Nicholls, who has 11 wins from 72 career rides, has got the leg up on big December Gold Cup fancy Il Ridoto at Cheltenham.
The seven-year-old gelding, who is owned in-part by the Manchester United legend, was last seen winning £84,405 in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.
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Three pound claimer Freddie Gingell was in the saddle that day but he picked up an injury at Taunton on Thursday ruling him out.
Legendary handler Nicholls wanted to get Bryony Frost on Il Ridoto but she has pre-existing commitments in France with owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
That left the door open for 7lb claimer Olive to snatch the chance of a huge ride on the horse who is as short as 13-2.
Betfair ambassador Nicholls said: “Olive Nicholls, who claims 7lb, is going to ride Il Ridoto tomorrow.
“I was keen to take 7lb off him as he is carrying 11lb more than the last day when he won the Paddy Power.
“I was trying to get Bryony over from France to ride him but she wasn’t able to as she has commitments over there, so I just felt if I was going to claim 7lb, I’d rather use my own daughter than anybody else.
“I didn’t think there was any point in claiming 3lb or 5lb, I wanted to take 7lb off and she’s getting plenty of experience now, so she’s going to get the chance.
“He’s a good, straightforward ride, he’s been round Cheltenham more times than most horses.
“This is a big ride for Olive but she’s extremely looking forward to it.
“All the owners are fine with it, there’s five of them involved and I spoke to them all and they were all happy with the decision, so we’ll give it a go.
“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, whose mum is trainer and Paul’s ex-wife Georgie, is sister to ITV Racing pundit and former jockey Meg.
She goes to Cheltenham in form having ridden a 10-1 winner at Taunton yesterday on Him Malaya, trained by her dad.
The amateur rider has just over £93,000 in on-course winnings – but victory in the December Gold Cup would see her smash the £100k mark.
December Gold Cup odds via Betfair
15-4 Madara
5-1 Stage Star
11-2 Fugitif
6-1 Grandeur Dame
13-2 Il Ridoto
15-2 Ga Law
9-1 Gemirande, In Excelsis Deo
14-1 Le Patron, Guard Your Dreams
22-1 Sure Touch
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