Constitution Hill falls in the Champion Hurdle in huge Cheltenham Festival shock

FULL CHAMPION HURDLE RESULT: Constitution Hill was back in the race it won in 2023, but after missing the chance to reclaim the crown in 2024, the Nicky Henderson trained horse was back at Cheltenham

Golden Ace won a dramatic Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man both fell on day one at the Cheltenham Festival.

State Man lifted the title in 2024 and looked to be surging towards another win, until it fell at the last. That allowed Golden Ace to win the showpiece race on the opening day of the festival. And in a race dominated by the outsiders, Burdett Road at 66/1 and Winter Fog at 150/1 completed the top three.

Constitution Hill was the red-hot favourite to reclaim the title it won in 2023 and after missing last year's festival. But under the guidance of Nico de Boinville it fell after clipping the fifth hurdle, leaving the thousands in attendance loudly gasping.

That looked to have firmly opened the door for State Man, who surged into the lead going into the final hurdle, but in dramatic scenes, fell at the last. With Golden Ace running through the crowd to win a stunning first Grade One race for jockey Lorcan Williams.

Williams said: "I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far. You dream of these moments as a kid. I hope the others are ok – Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses.

"But she is fantastic. She always turns up and fair play to (owner) Ian Gosden for picking this race rather than the Mares' Hurdle. I am not complaining now

"I’m just a small part of the team and delighted to be on board

"All I was thinking was my agent said watch Constitution Hill. When he was out of the race I thought I would stay on for second. We were just there to pick up the pieces."

Both State Man and Constitution Hill thankfully seemed to avoid injuries and were both seen walking back to the paddock.

FULL RESULT TO FOLLOW

1st - Golden Ace 25/1

2nd - Burdett Road 66/1

3rd - Winter Fog 150/1