Constitutional Hill’s dramatic fall at Cheltenham has earned the betting industry more than £10million.
The 2023 champion was odds-on favourite for the Champion Hurdle on day one of the event and a popular pick for single bets and accumulators over the course of the day.
However things didn’t go to plan with the Nicky Henderson-trained horse taking a tumble alongside State Man early in the race.
Constitution Hill went into the race unbeaten in 10 starts despite overcoming a respiratory issue and suspected colic since his success two years ago.
Thankfully both horses galloped away unscathed from their falls with Henderson confirming that nobody was hurt.
It meant that Golden Ace was a shock 25-1 winner in a result that was particularly lucrative for the bookies.
Speaking on ITV’s race coverage, host Oli Bell said: “It’s so good to hear of the connections there of Constitution Hill and State Man and excellent words from Nicky Henderson.
“It reminded me a bit of Steven Bradbury who was an Australian speed skater and won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics when everyone in front fell.
“It’s a real boil-over and the people who are smiling are the Jeremy Scott team and the Golden Ace’s connections, but also the bookmakers.”
Asked how much the betting industry will have made as a result of the result, Michael Shinners of Sky Bet told ITV: “Oli, I’m only going to come on here if it’s gone very, very well or very, very badly.
“I can’t lie, it’s gone very, very well.
“I would suspect that, as an industry, that race alone must have been in excess of £10million – it has to be.
talkSPORT BET: Latest Cheltenham Festival odds and free bet offers
“Not necessarily in singles, but in multiples.
“Constitution Hill will have been in every single multiple today and across the whole festival and that has been beaten, then Brighterdaysahead has been beaten and then State Man has been beaten.
“It’s just one of the most incredible races that I’ve ever seen.”
Golden Ace, ridden by Lorcan Williams for trainer Jeremy Scott, went on to win by nine lengths.
“I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far,” said Williams.
“You dream of these moments as a kid.
“I hope the others are OK – Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses.”
Scott added: “It’s marred by the two horses who came down, but I’m just delighted the gods favoured us.”
