Lorcan Williams described him as the “best day of his life” after led Golden Ace to a dramatic victory in the Hurdle champion in Cheltenham this afternoon.
The horse formed by Jeremy Scott came out as an foreigner 25-1, but dragged long enough to capitalize as First Constitution Hill, then the statesman fell.
Constitution Hill fell to the fourth last, leaving the state in pole position to keep the trophy it won last year, only for Jockey Paul Townend to have misused the last and hit the lawn when it is clear.
The statesman falls last!
Golden Ace wins a ridiculous Hurdle Challenge champion trophy 😳#Itvracing | #Cheltenhamfestival | @williams_lorcan pic.twitter.com/oqeggdugsm
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
The British Horse Racing Authority was quick to announce the two horses, and the jockeys were good.
This left Williams to occupy the front of the stage. He told ITV Racing: “I am lost for words. It is by far the best day of my life. You dream of these moments when I was a child.
“But she is fantastic. She always presents herself and the fair play to [owner] Ian Gosden for having chosen this race rather than the obstacle of mares. I don’t complain now.
“I’m just a little part of the team and I got delighted to be on board.
“All I thought was that my agent said Watch Constitution Hill. When he was out of the race, I thought I was in second position. We were right there to pick up the pieces. »»
Trainer Scott in the land of dreams
Scott added to BBC Radio 5 Extra sports: “I couldn’t even dream. I just told someone for the love of God, I thought I was sleeping. He is spoiled by the two horses that have come down, but I am just delighted that the gods are favorable to us.
“Our owner was very eager to have a runner here, he is extraordinary how things work.”
Burdett Road arrived second at 66-1 with the winter fog third at 150-1. The very very imaginary brightdaysaysaheads could only manage fourth.
Early decline for Mullins
The disappointment for coach Willie Mullins and Townend in the feature filler race was offset by winning the festival opening race, the obstacle of the supreme novices of Michael O’Sullivan.
Kopek des Bordes was the winner after Townend managed to overcome the last time, despite a tripper, and to offer an emotional victory for the owner Charlie McCarthy, who underwent surgery for kidney cancer last month.
It was also a moving opportunity for Townend in a race dedicated to the young Jockey O’Sullivan who tragically died at the age of 24 last month after a fall.
Joy for Henderson
Nicky Henderson finally won a first victory of the festival in two years after a bug at his stable decimated his chances in 2024 while Jango Baie won the pursuit of the Arkle Novices. The favorite, the favorite, Majborough could not manage the third.
The Townend-Mullins combination has also joined forces to win the obstacle of the ponds with Lossiemouth justifying the status of its favorite with an impressive 4-6F race.
Putturandsther won 4.40 for Joseph O’Brien and Haiti Couleurs became the fourth favorite to win the first day by winning the pursuit of national hunting.
Overview of the second day …
