Golden Ace because the first Cheltenham Festival winner for her sire Golden Horn when coping superb with the testing conditions to outgun the odds-on favourite Betterdaysahead to land the G2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Trained by Jeremy Scott for Ian Gosden, the six-year-old was bred by Classic-winning breeders Meon Valley Stud from the Dubawi mare Deuce Again. She won on her bumper debut just over a year ago and was second in last season’s G2 Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Bumper at Aintree before winning all three of her starts over hurdles this year.
“It’s an emotional moment,” said Scott, who was enjoying his first win at the Festival. “I’m so thrilled for the yard and for my family, who are all involved. It’s a super moment.
“She just travelled well and always looked to have them covered.
“She is not one that tears the gallops up, in all honesty, but her racing has always been really good. She was so cool and calm in the paddock; she takes everything in her stride and it’s just such an asset.”
Golden Ace is the second Grade 2-winning hurdler for Golden Horn this season after Nemean Lion won the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last month. His other top hurdlers include the Grade 2 winners Nusret and Stag Horn, and Grade 3 winner First Street.
