Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty claim emotional wins, honouring Jockey Michael O’Sullivan’s tragic passing

Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty secured emotional victories at the Cheltenham Festival, their wins serving as a heartfelt tribute to the late jockey Michael O’Sullivan. Just two years ago, O’Sullivan had guided both horses to success. Last month, the 24-year-old tragically lost his life in a fall at Thurles Racecourse. Now, his memory cast a shadow over the festival as his former mounts stormed to victory, with their wins dedicated to the rider who should have been there to celebrate.

Marine Nationale, trained by Barry Connell and ridden by Sean Flanagan, put in a stunning performance in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, winning by 18 lengths. His dominant display came at the expense of favourite Jonbon, who made a costly jumping mistake, and Quilixios, who crashed out at the final fence.

Flanagan, struggling to contain his emotions, glanced skyward as he crossed the finish line. “I’m just the man on him today,” he said. “Michael made him what he is.”

The weight of O’Sullivan’s absence was felt throughout the racing world. Connell, who had trained Marine Nationale for the jockey’s Cheltenham victory in 2023, admitted the pain was still fresh. “It’s very raw. The last few weeks have been horrible for everyone in racing,” he said. “Michael’s girlfriend, Charlotte, was here with us saddling up. This win is for him.”

Later in the day, the tribute continued when Jazzy Matty, trained by Cian Collins and ridden by Danny Gilligan, stormed to victory in the Grand Annual Chase. It was another reminder of O’Sullivan’s talent—he had steered the horse to his own Cheltenham win in the 2023 Fred Winter Hurdle.

Gilligan, overwhelmed in the aftermath, echoed the sentiment shared across the festival. “We all know there is someone very special looking down on us today. That is for Michael.”

The victories provided an emotional high, but the atmosphere at Cheltenham remained tinged with sadness. The racing world had lost one of its rising stars far too soon. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the dangers jockeys face every day, and the festival became an unintentional memorial to one of its fallen heroes.

The festival also saw thrilling action elsewhere. The New Lion dominated the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, securing an 80th Cheltenham Festival win for legendary owner JP McManus. Trainer Dan Skelton described the horse as “phenomenal” and tipped him as a contender for next year’s Champion Hurdle.

Lecky Watson, a 20-1 outsider, stunned the field with victory in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, while Jimmy Du Seuil pulled off a 16-1 upset in the Coral Cup. Willie Mullins once again asserted his dominance at the festival, completing a treble with Bambino Fever’s victory in the Champion Bumper.

Elsewhere, the Cross Country Chase provided its own drama, as Stumptown surged to victory under Keith Donoghue. Vanillier nearly led the entire field off course in a bizarre moment of confusion, adding an unexpected twist to the day’s events.

Queen Camilla was among the spectators enjoying the festival, though the turnout was noticeably lower than in previous years. Attendance was recorded at 41,949—nearly 5,000 fewer than the same day last year.

Despite the exhilarating races, Cheltenham’s second day was overshadowed by O’Sullivan’s memory. His name was spoken in every corner of the racecourse, his absence felt in every moment of triumph. For a festival built on celebration, this year carried a deeper sense of loss—a reminder of racing’s beauty, its brutality, and the young life taken too soon.