In a stunning upset at Newcastle, the reigning champion hurdler Golden Ace, dismissed as a 22-1 outsider, claimed a dramatic victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle. The race was thrown into chaos after the heavily backed favourite, Constitution Hill, suffered an early fall, continuing a troubling pattern for the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner.
A Race of Dramatic Twists and Turns
The highly anticipated Fighting Fifth Hurdle, considered one of the strongest editions in its 56-year history, was turned on its head at the second flight. Constitution Hill, partnered by jockey Nico de Boinville, travelled smoothly to the obstacle but clipped it and fell, bringing his race to a crashing halt. This marked his third fall in just four starts, raising serious questions about his future in the sport.
The drama was far from over. The New Lion, another leading contender who had taken up the lead, then fell two hurdles from the finish. This left the door open for Golden Ace, the only mare in the race, to seize her opportunity. Under a determined ride, the seven-year-old held off the persistent challenge of the previously unbeaten Anzadam to secure a famous victory.
Vindication for the Underdog
The result was a triumphant vindication for trainer Jeremy Scott, who showed immense faith in his charge by taking on the best hurdlers in the business. The victory was a near carbon copy of her win in the Champion Hurdle back in March, where Constitution Hill was also an early casualty.
All eyes before the race had been on the trio of Constitution Hill, The New Lion, and Anzadam, who were all quoted at single-figure odds for next year's Champion Hurdle. The performance of Golden Ace has firmly thrust her name into that conversation.
Aftermath and Future Prospects
Initial reports suggest that both Constitution Hill and The New Lion were uninjured in their falls. However, the incident has had an immediate impact on the betting for the 2025 Champion Hurdle. William Hill now makes Lossiemouth the 2-1 favourite, while Constitution Hill has drifted out to 10-1. The victorious Golden Ace saw her odds slashed to 14-1 from 25-1 for a repeat Champion Hurdle success.
The central question now surrounds the future of Constitution Hill. After a lifeless display at Punchestown in May and this latest fall, the long summer break appears to have done little to restore his competitive spirit. Whether the superstar hurdler can ever return to his former glory remains to be seen.
