Golden Ace Shocks Cheltenham as Constitution Hill and State Man Fall
Wow, what a dramatic turn of events at Cheltenham! The Champion Hurdle, one of the most anticipated races of the festival, took an unexpected twist as both Constitution Hill and State Man—two of the biggest names in the sport—fell, clearing the path for a surprise victory by Golden Ace at staggering 25-1 odds.
Constitution Hill, the 2023 champion and firm favorite, had the crowd’s expectations on his back, but disaster struck early as he came down in the big race. Then, just when it looked like last year’s winner, State Man, was about to take control, he too suffered a dramatic fall at the final hurdle. It was a moment of pure disbelief for spectators, as two of the most dominant horses in the game were suddenly out of the running.
Seizing the opportunity, Golden Ace, ridden by Lorcan Williams and trained by Jeremy Scott, surged forward, leaving behind the 66-1 outsider Burdett Road to claim victory by an impressive nine lengths. It was a surreal moment for Williams, who could barely contain his emotions after securing his first-ever Grade One triumph. “I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far,” he said, while also expressing his concern for the fallen rivals. “You dream of these moments as a kid. I hope the others are OK—Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses.”
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- Golden Ace Shocks Cheltenham as Constitution Hill and State Man Fall
Trainer Jeremy Scott, although ecstatic over the unexpected win, acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the result. “It’s marred by the two horses who came down, but I’m just delighted the gods favoured us.”
Fortunately, both Constitution Hill and State Man appeared to have escaped any serious injury, a relief to racing fans who had held their breath following the shocking falls.
Meanwhile, the day saw other standout performances, including Lossiemouth’s dominant win in the Mares’ Hurdle, proving once again why she’s one of the finest in her category. Paul Townend guided her to a commanding victory by seven and a half lengths, reinforcing her reputation as a top contender in the sport.
There was also an emotional win in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, now renamed in honor of the late Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan. Kopek Des Bordes, the favorite, delivered a stunning performance under Paul Townend, marking a special moment for owner Charlie McCarthy, who recently underwent surgery for kidney cancer. “I’m on cloud nine. I just can’t get over it. I’m walking on air,” McCarthy said, making it one of the most touching stories of the festival.
The day wasn’t short on high-stakes drama either, with the Arkle Chase providing yet another upset. Majborough, who seemed poised to win, made a costly mistake at the penultimate fence, opening the door for Jango Baie to storm through in a last-second upset at 5-1 odds.
As the dust settles on this unforgettable day at Cheltenham, racing fans will be left talking about this Champion Hurdle for years to come. Golden Ace’s victory was nothing short of extraordinary, but it’s the shocking falls of Constitution Hill and State Man that will remain etched in the history books of this legendary festival. One thing is for certain—Cheltenham never fails to deliver the unexpected!
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