The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham witnessed one of the most dramatic upsets in recent horse racing history as Golden Ace, a 25-1 outsider, surged to victory. The race was marked by the unexpected falls of previous champions Constitution Hill and State Man, leaving the field wide open for Golden Ace to claim the title.

The Race Unfolds

Constitution Hill, the 2023 champion and odds-on favorite, fell early in the race, dashing hopes of a repeat victory. State Man, last year's winner, seemed poised to take the lead but stumbled at the final hurdle, paving the way for Golden Ace to seize the moment. Ridden by Lorcan Williams and trained by Jeremy Scott, Golden Ace finished nine lengths ahead of the 66-1 outsider Burdett Road.

Reactions from the Winners

"I'm lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far," said Williams, celebrating his first top-level Grade One win. Scott, the Somerset-based trainer, expressed mixed emotions: "It's marred by the two horses who came down, but I'm just delighted the gods favored us."

The Fall of the Favorites

Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, had been unbeaten in 10 starts before this race. His fall at the fifth hurdle is estimated to have saved bookmakers a £10m payout. State Man, ridden by Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, was well clear before his dramatic fall at the final flight.

Other Highlights of the Day

• Lossiemouth retained her Mares' Hurdle crown in convincing style, leaving many to wonder how she might have fared in the Champion Hurdle.
• Kopek Des Bordes justified odds of 4-6 for Townend and Mullins, marking an emotional win for owner Charlie McCarthy, who recently battled kidney cancer.
• The meeting also saw victories for Myretown in the Ultima Handicap Chase and Haiti Couleurs in the National Hunt Chase.

Conclusion

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival will be remembered for Golden Ace's stunning victory and the dramatic falls of the favorites. It was a day that underscored the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and create unforgettable moments.