Marine Nationale Wins Emotional Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham

The victory comes nearly a month after the tragic death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who played a key role in the horse's early career.

Marine Nationale secured a commanding victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, finishing 18 lengths ahead of favorite Jonbon.
The win was dedicated to Michael O’Sullivan, the late jockey who rode Marine Nationale to triumph in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and passed away in February from injuries sustained in a fall.
Trainer Barry Connell and jockey Sean Flanagan both paid heartfelt tributes to O’Sullivan, crediting him with shaping the horse’s success and legacy.
Jonbon, the odds-on favorite, made a critical error mid-race, while Quilixios fell at the final fence, clearing the way for Marine Nationale’s decisive finish.
The day also saw another poignant victory as Jazzy Matty, another horse O’Sullivan had ridden to success at Cheltenham in 2023, won the Grand Annual Chase.