Against All Odds: A Fairytale Victory at Cheltenham

It was a moment that defied expectations - 25-1 outsider Golden Ace storming to victory in the Champion Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, delivering jockey Lorcan Williams the biggest win of his career.

"I haven't stopped watching the replay," an elated Williams told BBC Sport Wales. "I just leave it on pause on TV and watch it over and over. It hasn't sunk in yet - I feel incredibly lucky."

The Race That Changed Everything

The seven-year-old mare wasn't even the original plan for the Champion Hurdle. Trainer Jeremy Scott and owner Ian Gosden had initially considered entering stablemate Lossiemouth instead.

"We were waiting to see if Lossiemouth would go for the Mares or Champion Hurdle," Williams explained. "With Constitution Hill and State Man in the field, the competition level in the Champion was frightening."

However, when Gosden made the bold call to take on the reigning champions, Williams found himself with a life-changing opportunity. The race unfolded dramatically when both favorites fell at the final hurdle, leaving Golden Ace to claim an improbable victory and the £255,000 prize.

From Rugby Pitch to Winners' Circle

The win represented the culmination of a difficult career choice for Williams, who had to choose between rugby and racing as a teenager. A talented back-row player who represented his county and trained with the Scarlets, Williams ultimately followed his first love.

"I was riding before I could walk," the jockey recalled. "My parents sat me down and said 'what do you want to do?' When I had my first amateur ride, that was it - I was hooked."

Looking Ahead to Punchestown

With the Cheltenham celebrations still fresh, Williams is already looking to the future. Golden Ace is expected to compete at the Punchestown Festival, potentially setting up a rematch with Constitution Hill and State Man.

"I'm revved for that," Williams said with excitement. "It'll be a nice potential rematch. I haven't ridden at Punchestown since I was 17, so I can't wait to go back."

For now, the young jockey is taking time to appreciate how far he's come - from a rugby-loving kid to a Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey.

"This win has given me a kick up the backside to push myself harder than ever," Williams concluded. "Next year, I'm going to give it a real good go."