Golden Ace's Upset Victory in Cheltenham Champion Hurdle

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival kicked off with a major upset as 25-1 outsider Golden Ace won the Champion Hurdle, following the unexpected falls of favorites Constitution Hill and State Man. Constitution Hill, unbeaten in prior races and heavily backed to win, fell midway through, while State Man, last year's winner, crashed at the final hurdle, leaving the path clear for Golden Ace to seize victory. The shock victory saved bookmakers from a potential £50 million payout, with both fallen horses and their jockeys reported to be unharmed. This unexpected outcome marks one of the most dramatic events in Cheltenham Festival history, highlighting the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Jockey Lorcan Williams expressed his disbelief and joy, calling it the best day of his life.