The Times
13 March 2025
Sometimes it is intended. All week Cheltenham has honoured the memory of young jockey Michael O’Sullivan and the image of his greatest day winning the Supreme Novices Hurdle here on Marine National in 2023. Two years on, and a month after his tragic early passing, Marine National ran home to win the Champion Chase in the greatest tribute any horse could ever pay.
As racing mourned the effect of that fatal fall at Thurles, the photo of Marine Nationale and what was then 22 year old Michael O’Sullivan triumphant in owner-trainer Barry Connell yellow, black sash silks has been the most oft used recollection. Now it was that same horse, with 36 year old Sean Flanagan in the saddle and one rival still alongside to be. Yet the race had already supped so full of that you dared not dream of another twist
For the drama had begun at the very start – or rather false start. At least four of Jonbon’s seven rivals were so set on stopping the odds on favourite the chance of an early lead that they rushed the tape. Called back for a now standing break Jonbon hesitated as the tape flew up and found himself a flurried fifth as the field hurtled towards the first of the 13 fences.
He handled that well enough as he did all of the four fences up the straight. Quilixios, Solness and the 2022 winner Energumene were clearly out to stretch the gallop and while Nico De Boinville had got Jonbon up into 4th by the time they swung down the back straight to the 6th, he was going to need all of his horse’s stag like jumping – and he didn’t get it.
It wasn’t a bad fault but Jonbon was less neat in his stride than the others. He pressed hard over the water and faced the open ditch needing another good leap to get into that rhythm which has made him the best two miler in the Islands but which mistakes and misfortune have so far denied him the title. The big ditch was next, but again a slower jump than the others.
So facing the 9th De Boinville set himself to make Jonbon assert as a champion should. He drove his horse in to ask for a real jump of purpose. But the horse betrayed him. An extra, stride, a crash of birch, a great attempt to somehow stay upright as his rider also kept atop. But he was last and winning and his Champion Chase was surely over.
So it was Energumene, Quilixios and Solness leading , with Marine Nationale all the while moving easily on the inside behind them. Down the hill all seven were close enough and Libberty Hunter was moving well when he turned over at this third last. But running round the final turn Energumene was well spent and Quilixios and Marine Nationale had it between them. Quilixios edged ahead but you felt Marine National would be the stronger.
You and the crowd and the world felt something else. A yearning, however unsporting, that other justice would arrive. Quilixios didn’t seem to make much of a mistake but as he buckled up on landing you had to suspect divine intervention. Marine Nationale galloped on unopposed while others wilted enough for Jonbon to plug past them and as Sean Flanagan hit the line every thought had to go heavenwards.
Owner trainer Barry Connell was immediately trapped by a camera but spoke movingly to the camera. “It’s all very poignant very raw,” he said. Everybody in racing has come together for Michael and I hope this is a fitting tribute to him.”
It should be said that it is also a considerable achievement as a trainer. Two seasons ago Connell brought Marine Nationale skilfully through to Cheltenham triumph in 2023 and after a truncated chasing start last season has brought him to a new peak this March.
Sean Flanagan is not only a seasoned performer but has a pilot’s licence even if you would not have thought of it in the when a massive navigation error took him horribly off course in cross country race preceding the Champion Chase. Safe in the cockpit Flanagan often flies himself to the races and when riding days are over may well join the airlines and be the voice saying “this is your captain speaking.”
Flanagan is no stranger to big race success but this, as it is for Connell, will have been the ultimate and, even though he took over the ride from O’Sullivan at Christmas when the trainer and young jockey went separate ways was sweetly unstinting in appreciation. “Michael’s the man who made him what he is,” said Flanagan, “and he’ll never be forgotten.”
On another day one could work up understandable angst at an Irish dominance that only the admirable and infinitely promising The New Lion could provide a home victory against the invaders from across the water. But once Marine Nationale crossed the line there was never going to be a place for it.
A fine horse had given the most eloquent of athletic tributes to a rider who had paid the ultimate price. There were tears amongst the smiles in the winner closure. Amongst the party was the flaxen head of the late jockey’s girl friend Charlotte Giles. The race is called the Queen Mother Champion Chase and this was a royal presentation. As Charlotte stepped forward, the Queen drew her in and hugged her in a motherly embrace.
The fates can be brutal but, just occasionally, they offer something in apology, Dramatically and quite beautifully, they did that yesterday.