CHAMPION HURLER GOLDEN IS FIGHTING FIT

JEREMY SCOTT says there will be no excuses on the fitness front when stable star Golden Ace kicks off her season at Wetherby.

- BY MELISSA JONES

The champion hurdler of 2025 was handed the Cheltenham crown by the last-flight departure of Willie Mullins-trained State Man.

Placings were switched around at Punchestown's end-of-season festival, where Golden Ace confirmed she belonged at racing's highest level.

After 183 days - the shortest summer break she has had - the Lorcan Williams-ridden seven-year-old is back against her own sex in the Listed bet365 Mares’ Hurdle on Saturday.

“I wasn't expecting to run her this early,” Scott (right) said yesterday, with bookmakers going as short as 4-7 for a successful return in West Yorkshire.