Golden Ace triumphs in dramatic Fighting Fifth Hurdle

Golden Ace swept through to take victory in a dramatic renewal of the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle as both Constitution Hill and The New Lion came to grief.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill was the 6-4 favourite as he looked to get his career back on track following a disappointing end to last season, with Nico de Boinville in the saddle for a confident team following a pleasing racecourse gallop.

A neat jump at the first was followed by a familiar scene at the second, however, as Constitution Hill misjudged his stride and hit the deck before The New Lion then did the same thing at the penultimate flight having taken up the running.

It was Golden Ace who was left to pick up the pieces as she was in last season’s Champion Hurdle, and having brushed aside Anzadam and Nemean Lion, she took success under Lorcan Williams at 22-1.