Once the gasps had subsided following a Champion Hurdle that upended every script and expectation, a most unlikely serenade began. “Oh, Jeremy Scott!” the Cheltenham crowd sang, the voices growing louder and more enthusiastic with every refrain. Scott, the trainer of the shock 25‑1 winner Golden Ace, smiled at the absurdity of it all before finding the perfect response from Only Fools And Horses: “As Del Boy says: ‘Who dares wins, Rodney.’”
The Champion Hurdle had been billed as a clash for the ages between Constitution Hill, the greatest hurdler of this generation, and Brighterdaysahead, the young Irish mare who had dominated the competition over Christmas. Instead, it was Golden Ace, bought for just £12,000, who demonstrated the glorious unpredictability of jumps racing.
First, the odds-on favorite Constitution Hill, the 2023 winner, fell at the fourth-last when looking poised to pounce. Then, State Man, last year’s winner, belly-flopped after hitting the final fence when victory seemed certain. That left Golden Ace to seize the moment, with jockey Lorcan Williams in shock as he crossed the line. Golden Ace had not only been unfancied but initially wasn’t even set to run in the Champion Hurdle. It was only when Lossiemouth was declared for the Mares’ Hurdle that her team decided to take the chance. Their reward? A first prize of £253,000.
Trainer Nicky Henderson, left shaking his head, reflected on Constitution Hill’s fall. “Nobody’s hurt, but two horses and two jockeys have had proper old falls,” he said. “It’s cruel, we’ve waited two years to get back here and he was back. You can’t have him any better than he was today.” Willie Mullins, who saw State Man go down, took a philosophical approach: “It’s what happens, what can we say? And it’s a very popular winner.”
There were 55,000 spectators cheering as Golden Ace crossed the line, though the number was down by 5,000 compared to last year’s opening day and by 13,000 from 2022. This decline is sure to spark discussions about waning audiences. However, many attendees found the experience more enjoyable with smaller crowds. When the festival reaches its full 68,500 capacity, it often becomes overcrowded and uncomfortable. While the paddock was still packed and the bars lively, spectators at least had some breathing room.
This was the first test for Cheltenham’s new chief executive, Guy Lavender, who has prioritized the enjoyment of racegoers and better value for customers on food and drink. While a welcome initiative, many wonder why it has taken so long to address these issues. Prices remain high, with the cheapest tickets nearly £50 on the day, hotels charging upwards of £500 a night, and a pint of Guinness costing £7.80.
Lavender’s decision to expand areas where racegoers can drink, including an open standing area in front of the grandstands, seemed to reduce overcrowding. However, more improvements are needed, and he faces a difficult task ahead.
One challenge is the divide between two distinct audiences. The first consists of an ageing demographic who attend out of tradition and expect the highest level of competition. They were likely dismayed to see Lossiemouth dominate the Mares’ Hurdle instead of challenging for the Champion Hurdle. Meanwhile, the second group, the once-a-year casuals, come for the atmosphere, the drinks, and the thrill of a few bets.
For them, the festival delivered. Kopek Des Bordes won the Supreme Novice Hurdle to sustained cries of “Ole! Ole! Ole!” while Jango Baie, who was 329-1 in running, pulled off an incredible victory in the Arkle Chase. Then there was Golden Ace, delivering the great plot twist no one saw coming.
