Marine Nationale took the win thanks to a fall from Quilixios at the final fence after Jonbon stumbled with three fences to go, 24 hours after Constitution Hill did the same 24 hours prior for trainer Nicky Henderson.
The Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle was tense until the end but The New Lion burst past The Yellow Clay to take home the title as Final Demand faded on the straight.
In the second race of the day, Willie Mullins thought he would have his third 2025 festival win from Ballyburn but it was his 20/1 outsider Lecky Watson who rode to victory in the end.
Mullins had two-in-two as Jimmy De Seuil came out on top in the 26-horse Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, ridden by Danny Mullins.
Cheltenham day two schedule:
13:20 – Turner’s Novices’ Chase – Winner – The New Lion
14:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Winner – Lecky Watson
14:40 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle – Winner – Jimmy De Seuil
15:20 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase – Winner – Stumptown
16:00 – BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase – Winner – Marine Nationale
16:40 – Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annuals Challenge Cup Handicap Chase – Winner – Jazzy Matty
17:20 – Weatherbys Champions Bumper
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Looking back to yesterday’s football, Cheltenham Town ground at a hard-fought three points away at AFC Wimbledon, the first time the Robins have ever won at the new Plough Lane.
In the National League Forest Green Rovers also took home a crucial three points to keep them in the chase for immediate promotion back to the EFL at the first time of asking.
