2025 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Result - Constitution Hill falls, The New Lion falls, Golden Ace wins
In a thrilling 2025 Fighting Fifth Hurdle, Golden Ace emerged victorious against all odds. The race saw unexpected incidents with Constitution Hill and The New Lion, both of whom fell during the competition. Constitution Hill started strong but fell early, and The New Lion followed suit, leading to Golden Ace's opportunity. Anzadam fell behind in the final phase, and Nemean Lion surged but couldn't overtake Golden Ace. This victory marks Golden Ace's second significant Grade One achievement, proving her resilience and opportunism in high-stakes races.
- Full result for the 2025 Fighting Fifth Hurdle
- Golden Ace won this Grade One at Newcastle on November 30th
- Watch a replay of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle here on our website
The spotlight shone brightly on Newcastle this afternoon, as a talented field took part in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Constitution Hill saw his unbeatable aura shattered in the spring, as Nicky Henderson's star fell twice and was well-beaten at the three big spring festivals. Nicky Henderson has been confident during the build-up that his once all-conquering star is back to his best, and punters backed the 2023 winner into 6/4 before the off.
Dan Skelton identified the Champion Hurdle as the target for The New Lion at the end of last season, and Harry Skelton's mount was fancied by many going into Saturday's feature. Anzadam was also defending an unbeaten record over hurdles at Newcastle, but Willie Mullins' raider drifted out to 3/1 before the off.
Shock Champion Hurdle winner, Golden Ace was friendless in the betting following a shocking reappearance at Wetherby. The field was completed by Kerry Lee's Nemean Lion, who was supplemented into the contest on Thursday.
2025 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Result
| Position | Name | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Golden Ace | 22/1 |
| 2nd | Anzadam | 3/1 |
| 3rd | Nemean Lion | 66/1 |
It was unclear beforehand who would make the early running. Many presumed that Nico De Boinville would take the race by the scruff of the neck, and he did just that, allowing Constitution Hill to bowl into an early lead.
The favourite's jumping completely fell apart during the back-end of last season. There were no signs of a lack of confidence from the leader at the opening flight, but Constitution Hill jinked left going into the second flight, hit the top of it and came crashing to the ground.
That left The New Lion at the head of the field, and Harry Skelton's mount got a little lit-up by Constitution Hill's capsize. Golden Ace moved onto the leader's tail going into the back straight, with Nemean Lion third. Anzadam had looked eager to get on with things before the starter dropped his flag, forcing Paul Townend to hold his mount up at the rear.
Just when the capacity crowd has come to terms with Constitution Hill's early exit, The New Lion threatened to run out at the fourth flight. Harry Skelton managed to keep his exuberant mount on the straight and narrow, and The New Lion opened up a four-length lead after jumping the sixth hurdle.
Skelton tried to get a breather into his mount entering the home straight, as the challengers packed up behind him. The New Lion jumped the third last well but, like Constitution Hill three minutes earlier, Skelton's mount dived at the second-last and came tumbling to the ground.
Paul Townend looked to have a simple task, with his two main rivals out of the contest. Anzadam seemed to be going well, but soon came under pressure between the final two flights, allowing Golden Ace to wrestle a narrow lead.
Jeremy Scott's mare took advantage of some high-profile fallers when landing the Champion Hurdle, and did the same again on Saturday. Golden Ace shrugged off the attentions of Anzadam, and held a charging Nemean Lion at bay to win her second major Grade One.
Thankfully, both Constitution Hill and The New Lion bounced straight back up to their feet following their falls, as did Nico De Boinville and Harry Skelton. Both will feel like they've missed an opportunity, but take nothing away from Golden Ace and her team, who prove again that you have to be in it to win it!
2025 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Replay
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