Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty both claimed emotional wins at the Cheltenham Festival two years after winning here for jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died in a fall last month.
First, Marine Nationale, ridden by Sean Flanagan for owner-trainer Barry Connell, won a dramatic Queen Mother Champion Chase by 18 lengths from favourite Jonbon, whose progress was halted by a jumping mistake.
Then the Cian Collins-trained Jazzy Matty, under Danny Gilligan, landed the Grand Annual Chase.
Marine Nationale had won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two years ago in the same yellow and blue colours for O’Sullivan, who died aged 24 following his injuries at Thurles Racecourse.
“I’m just the man on him today, Michael made him what he is,” said Flanagan.
“It’s hugely emotional for a lot of reasons. His family find it very hard. Jockeys in Ireland, England and around the world have been under a cloud in the last couple of weeks.”
Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson went into the race with 17 wins from 20 starts but his three defeats had come at Cheltenham and his chance disappeared with a jolting mistake on the far side of the course where jockey Nico de Boinville did well to stay on board.
Two-time previous champion Energumene travelled well before fading and it turned into a battle between Quilixios and Marine Nationale before Quilixious fell at the final fence. That left Marine Nationale in the clear to claim victory.
“I’d like to say it’s very poignant and very raw, the whole thing with Michael over the last three or four weeks has been horrible, horrible,” said O’Connell.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his girlfriend, Charlotte, is here and was with us saddling up the horse. Everybody in racing has come together for Michael and I hope this is a fitting tribute to him.”
O’Sullivan won the Fred Winter Hurdle on Jazzy Matty for trainer Gordon Elliott in 2023.
Gilligan said: “I think we all know there is someone very special looking down on this.”
