Champion Chase lives up to unpredictable reputation as Marine Nationale delivers poignant win

The Cheltenham Festival has an almost unique capacity to produce moments so powerful and poignant they have to be seen to be believed.

We witnessed another one in the Champion Chase, which lived up to its reputation for throwing up the unpredictable and in the process provided an emotional winner in Marine Nationale, a horse indelibly linked to Michael O'Sullivan, whose life was cut so tragically short after a fall this year.

After finishing 18 lengths clear of Jonbon – his chance compromised by a mistake earlier in the race – winning jockey Sean Flanagan raised his hand to the sky in recognition of O'Sullivan, who two years ago recorded the biggest success of his career on the same horse in the Supreme.

The raw emotion of the moment worked its way around the racecourse, following the winner up the packed walk-in through the warm applause of those gathered at the rail before settling in the winner's enclosure, where O'Sullivan's girlfriend Charlotte Giles and brother Alan were waiting.

"The last three or four weeks have been so poignant and raw," said owner-trainer Barry Connell. "It's been horrendous. Michael and myself went on a journey with Marine Nationale. He rode him during his novice hurdle season. He started as a 7lb claimer and I asked him to turn professional.

"He won three Grade 1s as a claimer, was leading rider on the first day of the festival in 2023 and was then leading conditional. It's a tragedy that he's left us but that's a record he could be proud of. He achieved more than a lot of riders who have been riding for a lot longer ever achieve.

"I'd like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend Charlotte, who is here with the horse and helped to saddle him. Our hearts go out to her, his family and friends. Racing is a great community and gets behind people when things like this happen and hopefully this is a fitting end."

Sean Flanagan and Marine Nationale are led in after the Champion ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

The crucial role O'Sullivan played in the development of Marine Nationale, before Flanagan took over in the saddle in December, was recognised by Giles. After joining the Queen and winning connections for the trophy presentation, she spoke of the affection the rider had for his flagship horse.

"They started their careers together and went on a journey together," she said. "The horse has certainly put his heart and soul into today and it means a lot. At the last jump, I got a bit of a fright, but Michael was certainly with him every step of the way and it was incredible to watch.

"I think the horse has shown what a connection he had with Michael, they understood each other and Michael always rated the horse so highly. In moments like this, we get a great sense that he's here with us."

Marine Nationale has been a slow burner over fences, arriving after three defeats with the daunting task of taking on Jonbon, who was odds-on to record a long-awaited first festival success and ultimately did well to claim second, albeit 18 lengths behind a winner who cruised into the lead.

"He probably hasn't been given credit since winning the Supreme," said Connell. "People forget he only had two runs last season so was effectively a novice this season and we had to plan a campaign to give him experience.

"He loves this place. He comes alive here. We were very confident but were understated as I was too confident last time and I wasn't going to do that again. That's what he's shown us before. He travels, jumps and is everything you want in a champion chaser.

"I've been coming here since the 1980s when I was a student, just as a punter, and it's the one race I wanted to win. It's pure, unadulterated, on-the-edge speed. This won't sink in for a long time."

Sean Flanagan: celebrates after winning the Champion ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

It was a significant victory for Flanagan, who was once stable jockey to Noel Meade but lost his job in 2022. "I’m just lucky I can get on the likes of this lad," he said. "It’s credit to all the people back at Barry’s. I’m only drafted in very late to steer him round, the work is already done.

"This is phenomenal. I had a good job and I rode plenty of nice winners on good horses, but that was gone and I was at the point where you either fall off the edge or stumble across a horse like Marine Nationale.

"It's one horse you are looking for and funnily enough he was stabled in the same stable as Jeff Kidder [Fred Winter winner in 2021] was in. This is everything to me. Me and my wife have a young family and I never get to spend any time with them, but seeing daddy doing this will mean it's all worthwhile."

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