Golden Ace was the winner of surprise at Hurdle champion this afternoon after the constitution Hill, and then the state man crashed.
The Constitution Hill, the winner of 2023, started until 1/2 favorite and was well -positioned in the middle of the road only to fall in the fourth last, urging Gasps from full Grandstands.
The state man took the run and seemed to travel to a second victory in two years only to hit the final obstacle and get the rider Paul Towen.
The state man falls to the latter!
Golden Ace wins a ridiculous unibet Hurdle Challenge Trophy 😳#Itvracing | #Cheltenhamfestival | @williams_Lorcan pic.twitter.com/oqeggdugsm
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
This allowed the golden ace to emerge from the small horses package that remains to facilitate the final line.
“I have been lost for words, you are dreaming of these moments as a child,” said Jockey Lorcan Williams.
Kopek des Bordes wins the original match
The delay of state delay will be a huge blow to Towennd and coach Willie Mullins, but they will have to find some consolation to win the festival’s opening race, Michael Osullivan Supreme Novices.
Kopek des Bordes was the winner after the Towennd this time managed to overcome the latter despite wiping, and gave an emotional victory for owner Charlie McCarthy, who underwent kidney cancer surgery last month.
It was also a moving opportunity for the Towennd in a race dedicated to young Jockey O’Sullivan who died tragically 24 years old last month after a fall.
Joy for Henderson
Nicky Henderson eventually enjoyed a first victory at the festival in two years after an error in his firmly decimated chances in 2024, as Jango Baie won Arkle Novices’ chase. The odd favorite majborough could only manage the third.
The combination of Towend-Mullins also worked together to win the Mares obstacle.
