Sean Flanagan led Marine Nationale to an emotional victory for Queen Chase’s champion at the Cheltenham Festival, as the beloved Jonbon came soon.
Jonbon (4-1) was widely expected to deliver the victory for trainer JP McManus, but was struggling shortly after a very dirty start and, when he hit the fifth-last fence, his hopes of victory had virtually left.
Marine Nationale (5-1) entered the final fence just ahead of Quilixios (40-1) and, when the latter fell, allowed Jockey Sean Flanagan to show in the sky as he claimed a triumph that would live in the Folklore of Cheltenham.
This is a victory that comes just less than a month after the tragic crossing of rider Michael O’Sullivan at the age of 24. O’Sullivan died on February 16 after serious injuries suffered in Thurles.
O’Sullivan led the Marine Nationale to victory at the Hurdle Highway in 2023, and the eight -year -old proved to be his quality again with Flanagan in the saddle, as Nico de Boinville’s Recovery Ride saw Jonbon get a second.
The most painful of the winners!
Marine Nationale wins Queen’s mother’s mother Betmgm 🏆#Itvracing | #Cheltenhamfestival | @swflanagan7 pic.twitter.com/dn2Kqlsjj5
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) 12 March 2025
‘He made him what he is’
O’Sullivan Charlotte’s girlfriend was present at Cheltenham, having spent time in the stall with the horse with which her latest partner had a clear connection earlier a week.
And both Flanagan and trainer Barry Connell pay tribute to O’Sullivan after a win -seeing victory.
“It’s extremely emotional for many reasons,” Flanagan told ITV. “His family finds it very tough. Jockeys in Ireland, England and around the world are under a cloud in the last two weeks.
“Michael. This is for you”
Sean Flanagan pays his respect to Michael O’Sullivan, who won this match at Marine Nationale two years ago #Itvracing | #Cheltenhamfestival | @swflanagan7 | @AlicePlunkett pic.twitter.com/jexnzbef4l
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) 12 March 2025
“Michael is the man who did what he is. He never really forgot about it.”
Connell added: “He will not sink for a long time. The last three or four weeks were scary.
“Michael and I went on a trip with this horse. It’s devastating Michael is not with us.
“I would like to dedicate this victory to Michael and Charlotte’s girlfriend. Our hearts come out to Michael and his family. Hopefully this is a suitable end.”
De Boinville explodes a terrifying start
Jonbon stayed with a huge amount of territory to offset after almost abolishing de boinville.
But the damage was done at the beginning. After an initial false start, Jonbon was removed very slowly and never really looked like attraction, with his final runners finishing the errors in front of him.
“Horrific”
Nico de Boinville was not happy with the beginning, in which the film was under Jonbon’s nose #Itvracing | #Cheltenhamfestival | @Mcyeekaa pic.twitter.com/alls8ykjvo
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) 12 March 2025
In brief observations on ITV, De Boinville made his irritation in the way the principle handled plenty of clear.
“I don’t blame anyone, but he didn’t like the movie under his nose,” Deboinville said.
“(The beginning was) horrible.”
Jazzy Matty makes it magical double
It was already an incredibly painful day after Marine Nationale’s victory, but Jazzy Matty made it double like that, dominating the big annual hunt.
The unexpected party led to the turn, but 15-2 shot Jazzy Matty to win, as 2023 in Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Handdle with O’Sullivan in the saddle.
With both horses who won the same day as O’Sullivan in Cheltenham two years ago, Jazzy Matty Danny Gilligan’s jazzy Jockey Jockey emerged again.
“I think we all know that there is a very special one who is looking at us today,” ITV told ITV after the line was crossed.
“We all know that someone very special is looking at us today” ♥#Itvracing | #Cheltenhamfestival | @ Dannygille8 | @AlicePlunkett pic.twitter.com/uv7D1IZCGG
– ITV Racing (@itvracing) 12 March 2025
Earlier in the day, the new lion (3-1) returned its undefeated run in five games by winning the Turner’s Hurdle, giving McManus the 80th victory of Cheltenham.
Lecky Watson (20-1) was a Victor surprise for trainer Willie Mullins at Chase Brown Advisory Novices. Mullins then saw another stranger, Jimmy du Seuil (16-1), claims the Coral Cup.
Topweight and favorite Stumptown (5-2) gave Jockey Keith Donoghue a fifth success at Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.
