The first gasp. The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill finally did what he had been threatening to do and stepped long and low at the fourth hurdle, crashing to the ground. His first fall. His first loss.
The second gasp. The 2024 Champion Hurdle winner State Man grinding toward the last hurdle, the race in his grasp, at his mercy, and launched long and low, crumbling to the ground. His first fall since a Leopardstown maiden in 2021.
Golden Ace, the longshot mare only in the race because Lossiemouth went to the mares’ hurdle a race earlier, instantly went from a gallant second to an implausible winner of the 2025 Unibet Champion Hurdle. Owner Ian Gosden, trainer Jeremy Scott and jockey Lorcan Williams and a 12,000 guineas mare at the top of the world.
Scott paused and thought about the enormity.
“It was like shooting Bambi and knocking out Snow White at the same time,” Scott said. “It was just the most bizarre moment. We didn’t come here expecting that.”
“It sort of takes the edge off because I don’t necessarily think we won it on merit, but you do have to jump the jumps. That’s what makes jump racing the extraordinary sport it is,” Scott said. “You have to take the punt, haven’t you? It would have been easier to go in the mares’ race, but fortune favors the brave, doesn’t it? My owner was brave.”
Scott, who trains 35 horses, has spent his life waiting for one to walk through the door like Golden Ace.
“It’s extraordinary where they can come from, it’s not always the best pedigrees or the most expensive. Jump racing is great from that perspective. You do have a chance. Just like anybody could be president,” Scott said. “You just keep pecking away and hopefully something happens. We’ve gotten lucky that we stumbled upon her. Last year when she won the mares’ race…we’ve always believed in her…but that was the moment where we thought we could really have some fun with her. I didn’t dream it would be the Champion Hurdle.”
Nothing like a dream.
And, yes, it’s snowing at Cheltenham.
Read George Baker’s take from yesterday.
Day 2. Here we go.
Race 1. 9:20. Turners Novices’ Hurdle. Grade 1. 2 miles, 5 furlongs. Winner: £84,405.
Here’s a clash. The undefeated Final Demand, the undefeated Potters Charm, the undefeated The New Lion and the undefeated The Yellow Clay.
I’m going for an upset in the opener. Kel Histoire will relish the step up in trip and could hand all of them their first defeats.
The Picks: Kel Histoire. Final Demand, The Yellow Clay,
Race 2. 10:00. Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Grade 1. 3 miles, 110 yards. Winner: £112,540.
Willie Mullins tried Ballyburn at 2 3/8 miles, then 2 miles and then 2 5/8 miles. He stretches to 3 miles today and steps right into his wheelhouse. Stablemate Dancing City is his closest danger.
Nothing creative here in all-Irish affair.
The Picks: Ballyburn, Dancing City, Better Days Ahead,
Race 3. 10:40. Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle. 2 miles, 5 furlongs. Winner: £61,897.
Dan and Harry Skelton in a handicap at Cheltenham. Be aware of Be Aware (sorry, too easy).
Can our old friend Colonel Mustard sneak into it?
Jimmy Du Seuil slides out of Grade 1 company and makes his first start for 10 months.
Paul Townend takes on Bunting in a handicap. That’s Absurde (easier still).
The Picks. Bunting, Be Aware, Beat The Bat.
Race 4. 11:20. Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. 3 miles, 5 furlongs, 56 yards. Winner: £39,023.
Galvin makes his first start since a photo-finish second behind Snap Decision in the Grand National at Far Hills. Stumptown rides a three-race win streak for ever-dangerous Gavin Cromwell. I’ve always liked Busselton, but the price has come in for the talented veteran.
The Picks: Busselton, Stumptown, Galvin.
Race 5. 12:00. The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. Grade 1. 1 mile, 7 furlongs, 199 yards. Winner: £225,080.
While winning 17 races, Jonbon has lost just three times. All at Cheltenham. Key stat? He’s also won there twice. He’s the best of this group which includes former winners Captain Guinness and Energumene. Solness will put Jonbon to the test early while Marine Nationale will try to swoop when the crumbs start hitting the floor. An awesome nowhere-to-hide test for the best 2-mile chasers in the world.
The Picks: Jonbon, Marine Nationale, Energumene.
Race 6. 12:40. The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup. Handicap Chase. 1 mile, 7 furlongs, 199 yards. Winner: £84,405.
Another Skelton runner in another handicap. Unexpected Party returns for his defense. Last year he won this over Libberty Hunter, who opts for the Queen Mother.
I’ll try to wade tepidly into this minefield. Please remind me later to do just that.
The Picks: Jazzy Matty, Unexpected Party, JPR One.
Race 7. 1:20. Weatherbys Champion Bumper. Open National Hunt Flat Race. Grade 1. 2 miles, 87 yards. Winner: £45,560.
One for the paddock. Where’s Hairy Molly when you need him?
Patrick Mullins picked Copacabana. The top Irish amateur has gotten it right and gotten it wrong in this race.
I was taken by No Drama This End when he won his debut for Paul Nicholls. Big ask. Nice horse.
The Picks: Copacabana, No Drama This End, Gameofinches.
Happy Birthday Jack Clancy.
