Golden Ace wins Champion Hurdle after rivals suffer calamity

One of the most dramatic editions of the Unibet Champion Hurdle ever staged ended with Golden Ace springing a 25-1 shock at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The £450,000 feature had been billed as a clash between the unbeaten Constitution Hill, who was attempting to regain the title, and the mare Brighterdaysahead, who had carried all before her this season.

However, Constitution Hill crashed out at the top of the hill when stalking the leaders travelling strongly, and Brighterdaysahead was unable to pick up in the straight.

Instead, it was State Man, the defending champ, who had the race at his mercy as he surged clear heading to the final flight.

But he then suffered a heavy fall, to the despair of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, who were seeking their third success of the day.

More to follow . . .