Constitution Hill and The New Lion fall in Fighting Fifth Hurdle | Racing | Sport

Constitution Hill and The New Lion fell during the Grade One BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, paving the way for champion hurdler Golden Ace to claim victory.

Constitution Hill fell at the second hurdle to leave real questions about his future with the star of Nicky Henderson’s yard struggling last season.

The race took an unexpected twist when The New Lion also stumbled while leading in the straight, allowing Jeremy Scott’s mare to seize the opportunity, reports the Mirror.

Golden Ace, a 22-1 outsider who had previously benefited from falls by Constitution Hill and State Man at the Cheltenham Festival, finished ahead of Anzadam and Nemean Lion.

Constitution Hill went off as favourite and galloped away after his fall, as did The New Lion. ITV’s coverage of the race reported that both were, thankfully, unscathed.

“They are both fine which is all that matters to be honest with you,” Nicky Henderson told the channel, with jockey Nico de Boinville also up.

“I loved the way he jumped the first. I can’t believe it.”

Henderson was asked what might be next for the eight-year-old and said: “A two-mile maiden on the Flat? ” he said, when asked what possibly could be next for the eight-year-old.

“Let’s get rational. It shakes you, but it’s really sad. Can you keep on asking him to do it?”