3 minute read

Trainer Jeremy Scott enjoyed his first Cheltenham Festival successes when Golden Ace took out the penultimate Grade 2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

The market suggested yet another graded success for Ireland with unbeaten mares Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy dominating the betting.

However, on a rare day dominated by British trainers, Jeremy Scott made sure he got in on the action when Golden Ace battled on strongly to land the Grade 2 contest by one and a quarter lengths.

Sent off 10/1 to follow up both her Taunton novice hurdle successes, Golden Ace cruised into contention under a confident-looking Lorcan Williams before showing a willing attitude to fend off the Gordon Elliott-trained 5/6 market leader in the closing stages.

Birdie Or Bust finished back in third.

More to follow…