Paul Nicholls saw his instructions to jockey Harry Cobden carried out to perfection after Ginny’s Destiny galloped his rivals into the ground to open his account over fences in the cavani.co.uk Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Cheltenham today.

Appearing to need to his seasonal comeback, and stable debut, at the track last month the Gordon and Su Hall-owned seven-year-old looked a much fitter individual on his return to the Home of Jump Racing when putting in a fine display from the front.  

Showing plenty of zest at each of his fences the 100-30 chance still held sway at the final obstacle in the two-and-a-half-mile test where he was joined by both runner-up Es Perfecto and 3-1 Favourite Crebilly. 

However, there was late drama as Crebilly parted company with Jonjo O’Neill junior leaving Ginny’s Destiny to put his assured race fitness to good use and defeat chasing debutant Es Perfecto by 10 lengths. 

Nicholls said: “I thought he would nearly win today. Whether he was lucky or unlucky you wouldn’t know as he galloped all the way to the line and he was still galloping. He jumps and gallops, but he needed the run last time and he is a horse that will always need a run.

“Harry come and said what do we do and I said do what you did yesterday (on Stage Star) just keeping saving in front as he will jump well and he is fit. That was beautiful. He is a relatively lightly-raced horse as well so there is a lot of improvement to come from him.  

“That was a super job. He won one last season and was placed in a Grade Two last season over hurdles, but he was a big baby I would say. We are delighted to have him. 

“You wouldn’t believe how fat he was when he came and he needed that run the other day. We have done loads of work with him and he was fit today.  

“He is a lovely young horse. When they jump around here like that on the sixth run of his life it is good. I’m thrilled with him. 

“We will find something similar I would imagine, but we might run him in a better race we will see. He will get three miles in time as he gallops all day. I’d say he will run in some good handicaps.  

“He could just keep progressing. If he can jump and gallop like that in soft ground he will win plenty of races.”