Barry Connell celebrated the victory of his horse Marine Nationale in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, but his thoughts were dominated by the memory of late jockey Michael O'Sullivan, who died tragically a month earlier. Connell emphasized the journey they shared, with O'Sullivan having ridden Marine Nationale through key races and achieving remarkable success as a novice rider. Both Connell and winning rider Sean Flanagan paid tribute to O'Sullivan, acknowledging the grief shared by the racing community during this poignant moment.
Michael and myself went on a journey with this horse. He started as a 7lb claimer and ended up winning three Grade Ones as a claimer.
All the jockeys in Ireland, the UK and the world have been under a cloud for the last couple of weeks. Michael is the man who made him what he is.
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