Michael O'Sullivan smiling down on Cheltenham as Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty triumph to spark emotional scenes

In 2023 at Prestbury Park, a Cork jockey celebrated his best day by winning the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle with Jazzy Matty, followed shortly by a victory in the Supreme Novice's Hurdle aboard Marine Nationale. This moment was echoed two years later when Marine Nationale triumphed in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, providing a heartfelt tribute to the late Michael O'Sullivan. The race was dramatic, with favorites faltering, allowing Flanagan's steady strategy to prevail and finish convincingly ahead of the competition, eliciting a strong emotional response from the audience and connections alike.

Connell said: "It's very poignant and it's very raw, the whole thing with Michael over the last three or four weeks has been absolutely horrible and my thoughts and prayers are with the family, his friends and his girlfriend."

"I think this is hopefully a fitting tribute to him. He started as a 7lb c"

Read at Irish Independent