Golden Ace was a surprise winner this afternoon after the Hill Constitution and then the state man, collapsed.
The Hill Constitution, the winner in 2023, went as 1/2 favorite and was well placed only until the fourth last, which encouraged the sigh from the crowded stands.
The state man took over running and seemed to have cruised his second victory in two years just to hit the last obstacle and dismantled the driver Paul Townend.
The state man falls to the last!
Golden AS wins a funny unibet champion hurtle challenge 😳 trophy#Itraking | #Cheltenhamfestival | @williams_lorcan pic.twitter.com/oqeggdugsm
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
This allowed Golden Ace to get out of a small pack of horses that remained to make it easier over the final line.
“I am lost because of the word, you dream of those moments as a child,” said Jokej Lorcan Williams.
Kopek des Bordes wins in races
The late fall of the state man will be a huge blow for Townend and coach Willie Mullins, but they should find some comfort in winning the introductory race of the festival, the obstacles of Michael O’sullivan.
Kopek des Bordes was the winner after Townend managed to cross the last one this time, despite the video and achieved an emotional victory for owner Charlie McCarthy, who was undergoing surgery last month due to kidney cancer.
It was also a moving opportunity for Townend in the race dedicated to the young jocker O’Sullivan, who tragically died at the age of 24 last month after the fall.
Joy for Henderson
Nicky Henderson finally enjoyed his first win at the festival in two years after the Beetle in his stable decimation of his chance in 2024, while Jango Baie won the chase for Arkle Novices. The odd favorite Majborough could only manage third.
The Townend-Mulins combination also joined to win the mare’s obstacle.
