Golden Ace stole the show on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, winning the Champion Hurdle after a dramatic conclusion to the race.
Ridden by Lorcan Williams and trained by Jeremy Scott, the outsider surged past Burdett Road, with Winter Fog finishing third.
The race took a dramatic turn when Paul Townend, leading on State Man, fell at the final hurdle, while Constitution Hill unseated his jockey with three fences to go, clearing the way for Golden Ace’s stunning victory.
Day One also saw Willie Mullins and Paul Townend get off to a winning start, as Kopek Des Bordes triumphed in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Mullins continued his strong form with Lossiemouth, who defended her Mares’ Hurdle title in style. Later in the day, Joseph O’Brien-trained Puturhandstogether powered to victory in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Day Two Preview: Queen Mother Champion Chase Headlines the Action
The Queen Mother Champion Chase takes centre stage on Day Two of the festival, with Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson, leading a competitive seven-horse field.
The action kicks off with the Grade One Turners Novices’ Hurdle, where Final Demand, trained by Willie Mullins, will look to start the day on a high. Paul Townend will later take the reins on Ballyburn, one of the top contenders in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
Rounding off the day, Patrick Mullins rides Copacabana for his father Willie in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, bringing another exciting day of racing to a close.
