Former champion hurdler Constitution Hill fell once again as Golden Ace came through to win the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Constitution Hill won his first 10 races but has now fallen three times in four outings.
Newcastle’s largest attendance for jump racing in 20 years was shocked after barely a minute as the horse came down at the second hurdle, before previously unbeaten The New Lion also fell when in the lead.
Anzadam – also previousy unbeaten – was second, with Nemean Lion the third and final finisher.
“Constitution Hill did the same thing as he has twice before, stood off a mile and hit the middle of the hurdle,” former champion jockey AP McCoy told ITV Sport.
The previously unbeaten 2023 Champion Hurdle hero also had heavy falls at Cheltenham and Aintree.