Constitutional Hill fell during the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday as 25/1 shot Golden Ace romped home to victory. The Nicky Henderson-trained horse had started the race as the 1/2 favourite but fell early on.

The Champion Hurdle proved to be a scintillating affair, with Constitutional Hill heavily backed to taste glory after winning all of his previous races. Brighterdaysahead was seen as his main rival at 5/2, with State Man priced at 8/1.

With Constitutional Hill out of the race, it was State Man who appeared to be heading for victory after moving well clear at the front. But, incredibly, the Willie Mullins-trained horse also unseated his jockey Paul Townend at the final fence.

Constitutional Hill and State Man both appeared to come out of their falls unscathed as they were later seen heading back to the paddock after the conclusion of the race.

Former jockey Ruby Walsh assessed Constitutional Hill’s fall as he analysed the Champion Hurdle on ITV. The 45-year-old explained: “He absolutely steps onto the hurdle with [jockey] Nico [de Boinville], on the front of the hurdle, he steps clean into the middle of it. He can’t stand up when you do that.

“Paul Townend [on State Man], he commits to the land. I don’t think you’re always wrong - make a decision, commit to it, but over he goes. That’ll live with him forever, trust me.”

Winning jockey Lorcan Williams then told the broadcaster: “I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far. You dream of these moments as a kid. I hope the others are okay - Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses

“But she (Golden Ace) is fantastic. She always turns up and fair play to [owner] Ian Gosden for picking this race rather than the Mares' Hurdle. I am not complaining now. I’m just a small part of the team and delighted to be on board.

“All I was thinking was my agent said watch Constitution Hill. When he was out of the race I thought I would stay on for second. We were just there to pick up the pieces.”

The opening day at Cheltenham was full of drama, with Kopek Des Bordes winning the opening race at 4/6.

Jango Baie clinched victory in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase at 5/1, with 13/2 favourite Myretown winning the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Favourite Lossiemouth then cruised to victory in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle at 4/6, before Puturhandstogether landed the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 17/2.