Sean Flanagan triumphantly rode Marine Nationale to victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The race, filled with emotional weight, followed the tragic death of jockey Michael O'Sullivan, who had a profound bond with Marine Nationale. Jonbon, the favorite, struggled early on and faltered after an incident at the fifth-last fence. Marine Nationale’s victory served as a tribute to O'Sullivan, with both Flanagan and trainer Barry Connell expressing their dedication to honoring his memory during their post-race remarks.
"It's hugely emotional for a lot of reasons," Flanagan told ITV. "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."
O'Sullivan's girlfriend Charlotte was in attendance at Cheltenham, having spent time in the stable with the horse with which her late partner had such a clear connection earlier in the week.
Collection
[
|
...
]