Dramatic Upset at Newcastle as Favourite Falters Again
In a stunning turn of events at Newcastle Racecourse, the heavily backed favourite, Constitution Hill, suffered a crashing fall at the second hurdle, paving the way for a monumental upset in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle. The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner, who had arrived with significant questions over his form and desire to race, provided a devastatingly quick answer for his connections and supporters.
Golden Ace Seizes the Day in Chaotic Contest
With the pre-race focus firmly on the leading contenders, it was the 22-1 outsider Golden Ace who emerged victorious from the chaos. The only mare in the field, trained by Jeremy Scott, displayed tremendous grit to hold off the challenge of Anzadam and claim the spoils. This victory served as a brilliant vindication for her trainer's decision to take on the best hurdlers in training.
The drama was not confined to the favourite's exit. The New Lion, who had taken up the lead after Constitution Hill's departure, then fell when leading the field two hurdles from the finish, throwing the race wide open. This left Golden Ace and Anzadam to battle it out, with the seven-year-old mare repeating her feat from a similarly dramatic Champion Hurdle victory in March.
Fallout and Future Prospects
Thankfully, initial reports suggest that both Constitution Hill and The New Lion were uninjured in their falls. However, the incident has immediate consequences for the ante-post betting on next year's Champion Hurdle. Bookmakers William Hill swiftly adjusted their markets, with Lossiemouth now installed as the 2-1 favourite.
The future for Constitution Hill is now shrouded in doubt. After a lifeless display at Punchestown in May and now a third fall in four starts, the mental scars appear deep. The long summer break was intended to restore his competitive edge, but his hesitation and subsequent fall at the second hurdle at Newcastle suggest a significant problem. Whether there is a way back for this once-dominant champion remains one of the most pressing questions in National Hunt racing.
The result has completely reshaped the hurdling landscape. Golden Ace, previously a 25-1 shot for the Champion Hurdle, has been cut to 14-1, while Anzadam remains a 10-1 chance. For one day at least, the established order was overturned in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
