The showcase event of Style Wednesday proved to be full of emotion as Marine Nationale took home the Champion Chase.
Michael O’Sullivan, who died earlier this year at just 24 years of age after a fall, rode the horse to festival victory in 2023, and this win will be dedicated to a talented jockey gone too soon.
A truly beautiful moment
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2025
Marine Nationale ♥️#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/eeUpccmAlV
There was a mistake by the heavy favourite Jonbon at the fifth last, who almost unseated Nico De Boinville and was unable to break his festival curse, whilst Libberty Hunter did unseat Adam Wedge three from the finish.
There was even more drama at the last, with Marine Nationale and Quilixios jumping it side-by-side. However, the latter fell and it meant the former had a clear run to the finish to win by 18 lengths.
Results:
1st: Marine Nationale (IRE) (5/1)
2nd: Jonbon (FR) (5/6)
3rd: Captain Guinness (IRE) (25/1)
Jockey Reaction – Sean Flanagan
“It’s hugely emotional for a lot of reasons.
“I’m only the man who just steered him around today, Michael [O’Sullivan] is the man who made him what he is, and he’ll never be forgotten for that.
“I’m lucky that I can get onto the likes of this lad, and he really comes alive when he comes here.”
Owner and Trainer Reaction – Barry Connell
“We’ve had an uninterrupted preparation, he travels, jumps, he’s everything you want in a champion chaser.
“He loves this place and comes alive here, we were very confident coming today but we understated him because I was too confident last time.
“I’d like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend, Charlotte who was here with the horse and before we were there, saddling him up.
“Our hearts go out to all the family and friends and his girlfriend.”
