Golden Ace was a shock winner of an incredible Unibet Champion Hurdle, in which both Constitution Hill and State Man crashed out – the latter clear as he jumped the last in front.
Constitution Hill departed relatively early on in the Cheltenham showpiece and it was Brighterdaysahead who looked set to battle it out with State Man up the hill, but Willie Mullins’ defending champion came down at the final flight, just as he appeared likely to run out an emphatic winner.
Brighterdaysahead was subsequently hampered, although she did look beaten at the time.
It was then left to the Jeremy Scott-trained Golden Ace, who did not falter when the opportunity was handed to her and she carried Lorcan Williams to victory at odds of 25/1, with Burdett Road (66/1) taking the runner-up spot.
Lossiemouth untroubled in defence of Mares’ Hurdle title
Lossiemouth maintained her perfect Cheltenham record in successfully defending her Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle crown.
The six-year-old claimed the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One contest by three lengths 12 months ago and more than justified 4/6 favouritism for another impressive victory under the guidance of Paul Townend.
Lossiemouth wins the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham
The Rich Ricci-owned grey was in second place for much of the race, sitting on the shoulder of her Mullins-trained stablemate Jade De Grugy before making her move ahead of the final fence.
Jade De Grugy tried to push up the tempo, but Lossiemouth cruised past the leader before flying over the last and kicking on to seal a seven-and-a-half-length triumph and win at the Festival for the third time. Take No Chances came in third for Dan Skelton.
Russell continues Ultima domination with Myretown
Myretown produced a brilliant front-running performance at Cheltenham to earn trainer Lucinda Russell her third victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase from the last four runnings.
The eight-year-old, wearing the same silks and by the same sire in former Arc hero Dylan Thomas as Russell’s stable stalwart Ahoy Senor, looked comfortable in the hands of Patrick Wadge in taking the early lead.
Myretown, the winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase
It was an advantage Myretown did not relinquish and a fantastic jump at the final fence saw him burst clear of Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man before streaking clear to romp home by 11 lengths as the 13/2 favourite. Malina Girl was third for Gavin Cromwell.
Russell said: “I wasn’t keen on running him, but the owners said ‘come on, let’s have a go’ and he was well handicapped if he jumped round, I just didn’t know if he’d be man enough, but it looks like he is.
“I’ve just remembered I own half of him so it’s just got even better. He’s phenomenal and I always thought he might be another Ahoy Senor – we bought him because he looks like Ahoy Senor.
“He’s a bit different to Corach Rambler who jumps so exuberantly and Corach was a star, but just a different type of horse.
“This is a brilliant horse and I’m delighted for Patrick, it wasn’t a bad ride for his first Festival winner was it! It was really brave.”
Wadge added: “I couldn’t believe jumping three out I couldn’t hear anyone near me and I just hoped I hadn’t gone too quick. I gave him a squeeze on the bend and he took off – I think he could have gone round again. I can’t thank Lucinda, Scu (Peter Scudamore) and the owners for letting me ride him, to get a sit on this lad was phenomenal. The faith they had in me was amazing.
“I don’t know how good he could be, but he’s the best I’ve ever sat on and he could be the best I ever will sit on.”
