Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace 'better now than all season' - but trainer bemoans impact of Brexit before Irish bid

Trainer Jeremy Scott believes Golden Ace is “better now than we have had her all season” as the shock Champion Hurdle winner seeks to follow up in the Punchestown equivalent next week.

Owned by Ian Gosden, Golden Ace – sent off at 25-1 for Cheltenham's hurdling showpiece – is 8-1 with Paddy Power to repeat the feat in the Boodles-sponsored contest next Friday, when she could renew rivalry with Constitution Hill, State Man and Brighterdaysahead.

State Man came down at the final hurdle when clear at Cheltenham, allowing Golden Ace to pick up the pieces in a race that also featured Constitution Hill falling for the first time. Nicky Henderson's eight-year-old must first come through a workout and schooling session before his participation is confirmed.