Jockey O’Sullivan’s double from 2023 repeated at festivalJazzy Matty completes emotional second day at meeting
At the moment of his greatest racing triumph, after a lifetime in the sport as a spectator, an amateur jockey, and owner and now a trainer, Barry Connell’s thoughts after Marine Nationale’s victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday turned, immediately and inevitably, to Michael O’Sullivan, who rode the same horse to victory in the Supreme Novice Hurdle here two years ago and died last month, from injuries sustained in a fall.
“The obvious thing is how raw and poignant it’s all been over the last four weeks,” Connell said. “Michael and myself went on a journey with this horse, he rode him in all his races in his novice season over hurdles. He started as a 7lb claimer with us and I asked him to turn pro, and he ended up winning three Grade Ones as a claimer and was leading rider [with two wins] on the first day [at Cheltenham two years ago].
About Author
More Stories
Championship roundup: Leeds reclaim top spot after beating Millwall
Real Madrid send rivals Atlético packing after controversial penalty shootout
Asensio’s double breaks 10-man Brugge as Aston Villa bulldoze into last eight