Meetmebythesea wins first Paddy Power Gold Cup for McManus

Race result and finishing order

The six-year-old horse took top billing in a reduced field of ten runners. Jockey Harry Cobden rode the two-to-one favourite to win by two-and-a-half lengths. Blueking D'Oroux, trained by Dan Skelton, finished second after Quebecois faded during the race. Torneo placed third almost three lengths behind the leading pair in the final standings.

Trainer comments on performance

Ben Pauling stated that the horse jumped brilliantly and travelled really well throughout the contest. He noted that the animal showed a lot of guts to win well under pressure. In his new position alongside owner JP McManus, Cobden achieved his greatest success at the event.

Future plans for the winner

Pauling mentioned BetVictor made Meetmebythesea 12-1 from 25s to now step up to Kempton on Boxing Day. The handler believes the horse could replicate heroics seen by The Jukebox Man last Christmas. McManus credited Pauling for the plan and left it to him regarding the race strategy.