Lorcan Williams described it as the “best day of his life” after Golden Ace’s driving in a dramatic victory at Champion Hurdle in Cheltenham this afternoon.
Jeremy Scott’s trained horse came out as a 25-1 outsider, but hung for a long time to be used as the first Hill Constitution and then the State Man descended.
Constitution Hill fell to the fourth last, leaving the state man in a position to maintain the trophy he won last year, only for the rider Paul Towen to incorrectly the latter and hit the lawn when clean.
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
The British Horse Racing Authority quickly announced both horses, and the Jockeys were good.
This let Williams get the focus. He told ITV Racing: “I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far. You dream of these moments as a child.
“But it is fantastic. The fair game always appears to (owner) Ian Gosden to get this race and not the barrier of the mare. I don’t complain now.
“I’m just a small part of the team and happy to be on board.
“All I thought was my agent told me the Watch Constitution Hill. When it came out of the race I thought I would stay for a second. We were right there to get the pieces.”
Scott Trainer in Dreamland
Scott added to the BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: “I couldn’t dream. I just told someone for the sake of God hit me, I thought I was sleeping. He’s tanned by the two horses who went down, but I’m glad the gods were favored.
“Our owner was very willing to have a runner here. It’s excellent how things work.”
Burdett Road came second at 66-1 with the winter fog third on 150-1. The extremely fancy brighterdaysahead could only manage the fourth.
Early enjoyment for Mullins
The frustration for trainer Willie Mullins and Towndend in the characteristic match was offset by winning the original race of the Festival, Michael’s obstacle O’Sullivan 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 the Towend-Mullins has also worked together to win the Mares obstacle with Lossiemouth that justifies its status with an impressive 4-6F run.
Puturhandstogether won 4.40 for Joseph O’Brien and Haiti Couleurs became the fourth favorite to win the first day with the completion of the national hunt.
Day two preview …
