On-course drama
Solid A, if only for the most extraordinary running of Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle in living memory. The odds-on Constitution Hill’s departure at the fifth drew the biggest gasp of the week from the stands, while State Man’s fall at the last with a second successive title within sight prompted the biggest groan. The regular failure of hot favourites including Jonbon, Ballyburn and, in the Gold Cup, Galopin Des Champs,to justify their short odds led to a series of compelling tales of the unexpected. The 100-1 success of the fast-finishing Poniros, on his hurdling debut, in the Triumph was the biggest shock of the lot,the third winner at a three-figure price since 1954.
