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Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tears flow for O'Sullivan as Marine Nationale wins Queen Mother Champion Chase
Marine Nationale recorded an emotional win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the feature race of the second day of the Cheltenham Festival, nearly a month after the jockey that launched him Michael O'Sullivan died. Winning rider Sean Flanagan raised his eyes and right hand to the sky in tribute to O'Sullivan, who enjoyed his breakthrough moment on Marine Nationale when they won the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Festival in 2023. "Michael this is for you," mouthed O'Flanagan. O'Sullivan -- whose girlfriend Charlotte was present on Wednesday -- died aged 24 as a result of injuries suffered in a fall in February at the Irish racecourse of Thurles. "It is hugely emotional for lots of reasons," said Flanagan. "Us jockeys have been under a cloud for the last few weeks. "I am only the guy who steered him around here, Michael was the one who made him the horse he is." Winning trainer Barry Connell gave O'Sullivan his break in the sport and paid him a moving tribute. "How poignant this is," he said. "It has been an horrendous time. "We went on a journey Michael and I, he rode Marine Nationale in all his races. "It is an absolute tragedy he has left us. "He achieved in a lifetime more than a lot of others have done. "I dedicate this winner to Michael." Marine Nationale came home clear, after Quilixios fell at the last, ahead of odds on favourite Jonbon, who made a dreadful error five fences from home and last year's winner Captain Guinness. Two-time champion Energumene was pulled up lame. Incredibly the day became even more poignant as Jazzy Matty -- the other winner O'Sullivan rode on that opening day at Cheltenham in 2023 -- won the following race the Grand Annual Chase. "We all know who is looking down on us today," said winning jockey Danny Gilligan. The New Lion roared for the Skelton family in the opener, jockey Harry Skelton driving home the winner for his trainer brother Dan in a thrilling finish, to see off the two Irish fancies The Yellow Clay and Final Demand. "He's got it all! He's a good one and I am delighted he has come here and done it on the day," said Harry, sporting a black eye. "First day I rode him as a three-year-old, I felt he is so different. You hope for this one time in your career." Dan, like Harry son of 2016 Olympic showjumping gold medallist Nick, for his part puffed out his cheeks as his horse crossed the line clear. "This is relief more than joy," said the trainer, who was recording his 11th winner at the Festival. "He is a very special horse. Harry has given him an unbelievable ride." - 'This is for him' - Victory pushed the hosts somewhat surprisingly 5-3 ahead in the annual contest with Ireland for the Prestbury Cup, though, the Irish, clearly stung hit back winning the next five races. Willie Mullins had the odds on favourite in Ballyburn in the Novices Chase but he floundered throughout and it was his stablemate the 20/1 outsider Lecky Watson who took the honours. Winning jockey Sean O'Keeffe also dedicated the win to O'Sullivan. "Michael O'Sullivan used to share a house with us here in Cheltenham," said O'Keeffe, who was riding his third Festival career winner. "He loved this horse. This is for him." Mullins took the next as well as 16/1 chance Jimmy du Seuil won the big handicap hurdle, showing little rustiness despite almost a year since his last race. Mullins's nephew Danny Mullins like O'Keeffe took his Festival tally to three on a horse that finished second behind Ballyburn at the meeting last year. "The snow this morning, I thought would help his chances -– he hit his stride and finished strong," said Danny. The Irish were on a roll and the Cross Country Chase fell to them next, the winner Stumptown's rider Keith Donoghue winning it for a record fifth time. However, it will be Ireland's fourth winner Marine Nationale and O'Sullivan who will be remembered for the years to come. pi/nr
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Results, tips, odds and latest updates from Day 2
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival began with a bang and now Style Wednesday promises more drama as the UK's biggest week of racing continues. The Queen Mother Champion Chase headlines the action at 4pm, where Jonbon is much fancied with Nico De Boinville aboard, while the Coral Cup Hurdle (2.40pm) and Cross Country Steeple Chase (3.20pm) are among the other fascinating races on Day 2. How the weather impacts today's racing could be a fascinating subplot, after a snow flurry landed on the course this morning. The New Lion claimed the first victory of the day in the Novices' Hurdle. The opening day of racing delivered a huge shock as the showpiece Champion Hurdle was won by 25/1 shot Golden Ace, with horse racing superstar and heavy favourite Constitution Hill stunningly falling halfway through, as did last year's winner State Man. It allowed Golden Ace to come from nowhere to triumph. The 'greatest show on turf' will also include Friday's Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, who is the favourite on betting sites, hopes to land a famous hat-trick this. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we'll be bringing you all the action as Day 2 unfolds. 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Latest odds for the second race of the day: Ballyburn 4/7 Dancing City 15/2 Better Days Ahead 9/1 Gorgeous Tom 12/1 Quai De Bourbon 14/1 Stellar Story 22/1 Lecky Watson 28/1 Mike Jones12 March 2025 13:56 'I knew he'd win' The New Lion trainer Dan Skelton gave his post match reaction to ITV. He said: 'I just trusted him the whole way around, I knew he'd win. It takes a horse I've never had before to get past. I'm so, so proud of the team. It was almost like it was meant to be. It was a phenomenal race. "I think so [The New Lion being the best horse he's trained'. It's unchartered territory. We've had superstars, but we've not had one like this. "If you watch what The New Lion does, he leaves one leg down. State Man left both legs down. I'm so, so proud of him." Mike Jones12 March 2025 13:50 Style Wednesday - full list of winners 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course Winner: The New Lion (3/1); 2) The Yellow Clay (5/2); 3) Final Demand (6/4F) Mike Jones12 March 2025 13:43 Harry Skelton on The New Lion's victory Cheltenham day two is off the mark and here's what winning jockey, Harry Skelton had to say. He told ITV: "He's got it all. You hope one day in your life and your career you come across a good one, he's a good one. "I'm just delighted I got to ride him today. I rode him as a three-year-old, you knew then there was something different. I'm the man who gets to sit on top and work this out. 'This place is magic. When you get a winner here, it's that special." Mike Jones12 March 2025 13:42 Harry Skelton reflects on Turner Novices' Hurdle victory A 10th Cheltenham Festival success for Harry Skelton as he steers The New Lion to glory in a battle of the big three in the Turner Novices'. He has talked to ITV Racing about the victory Luke Baker12 March 2025 13:35 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle result So, the top three in the betting were the first three over the line but not in price order. Dan Skelton-trained, Harry Skelton-ridden The New Lion gets a rare Cheltenham win for the Brits. Luke Baker12 March 2025 13:30 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle result The big three move to the front after the penultimate hurdle. The Yellow Clay narrowly leads over the last, as Final Demand falls back a bit but here comes The New Lion! Charges past The Yellow Clay down the final straight and The New Lion wins the Turners Novices' Hurdle - too much pace in the end and a perfectly timed run. Harry Skelton and his black eye will be in the photos! The Yellow Clay comes second and a disappointing third for Final Demand. Luke Baker12 March 2025 13:27 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Potters Charm moves ahead of Sixmilebridge, with The Yellow Clay and Supersundae on their tail. Final Demand and The New Lion sticking together in the pack. A couple of hurdles to go. Luke Baker12 March 2025 13:25 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Sixmilebridge and Potters Charm still the front two, while The Yellow Clay has moved up to third to keep them in check. Kel Histoire out the back of the main pack a little bit. Four hurdles to go, when will Final Demand make a move? Luke Baker12 March 2025 13:24 1.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Kaid D'Authie makes a bit of a mess of the first but stays on his feet. Sixmilebridge makes the early running, with Potters Charm behind and Supersundae in third then a little gap to the rest. The whole field over the first three hurdles safely Luke Baker
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and 13 horses to watch on day two
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has already got off to a barnstorming start, with Golden Ace a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill fell among the storylines on a compelling first day. A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – promises more thrills with the Coral Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase among the highlights of a packed schedule. Nicky Henderson's Jonbon is back for glory in the Champion Chase, having withdrawn at the 11th hour last year. Henry de Bromhead's Captain Guinness triumphed in Jonbon's absence but the form book suggests defending his crown will be tough and betting sites make him a big outsider. Jonbon has been a superstar for owner JP McManus since he parted with £570,000 for the brother to Douvan and he is a rare example in National Hunt racing of a very expensive horse looking a bargain. He has won 17 races out of 20 under rules, with all three defeats coming at Cheltenham, albeit the first of those can be excused as he was up against Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Find the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport ready to provide daily coverage from the festival and get our free betting newsletter for the latest Cheltenham tips. Sign up here. Our racing expert Sam Turner will be at Cheltenham all week, plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power, and Ed Chamberlin and Oli Bell share their tips with Sky Bet. Day two – Wednesday, 12 March 13.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Final Demand 6/4 Final Demand is a very good horse. He jumped brilliantly at Limerick and brought that to a whole new level at the Dublin Racing Festival. He travelled really well and his jumping was rock solid. His form overall is more solid than The New Lion's. If Paul Townend is positive on him then he'll be hard to beat. The Yellow Clay is a bigger danger than The New Lion. Sam Turner's tip: Final Demand 6/4 A cracking renewal of this race with the powerful Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand facing a strong challenge The New Lion and The Yellow Clay, while the likes of Potters Charm (tongue tie for the first time) and Sixmilebridge help to provide a strong supporting cast. The shower that fell at the track on Monday may just play to the strengths of Final Demand who posted a freakish performance at Leopardstown and is held in extremely high regard by Willie Mullins and the team at Closutton. A decisive winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, The New Lion must overcome the poor strike rate of those winners trying to win this, while The Yellow Clay could be slightly underestimated by the market given, he is tough and genuine and boasts a touch of class. Ed Chamberlin's tip: The New Lion 15/8 It's The New Lion – big head-to-head against Final Demand – who I think is going to be a Gold Cup horse, against The New Lion, who I think could be a champion hurdle horse, hopefully he'll have too much speed. Ruby Walsh's tip: Ballyburn 5/6 Ballyburn's jumping has improved throughout the season. He's the best horse in the race but I wouldn't rule out the outsiders. There may only be seven of them but it's a really decent race. I can't get away from Ballyburn being the best horse. Sam Turner's tip: Better Days Ahead 13/2 Ballyburn redeemed his reputation with a fine victory at the Dublin Racing Festival and, as a winner at last year's Festival, has already proven himself a horse for the big occasion. The one slight doubt is his exuberance and that might see him vulnerable at the end of three miles, a trip he has never run over before. If he settles, he will be difficult to beat, albeit stablemate Dancing City is a guaranteed stayer, almost certain to wind up the pace from some way out. The underrated Better Days Ahead and Gorgeous Tom are no back numbers either with the latter likely to find some improvement tackling three miles for the first time. 14.40: Coral Cup Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Bunting 11/2 The Coral Cup is not a race I'd be mad keen on because it's one of those handicaps you need a lot of luck – and I hate races you need luck! Be Aware sticks out for the Skeltons and they are really positive about him. I like Bunting, but I wouldn't rule out Jimmy Du Seuil. It's more a race for the Eliminator than trying to find the winner. I wouldn't put you off Bunting, but it's a race I could never figure out. Sam Turner's tip: Impose Toi 15/2 Be Aware fits several key trends required to win this race –12 of the past 15 winners had run at Cheltenham previously, while 10 of them had finished in the top four at the very least. Top handicap form over the minimum trip is also a positive as is less than nine hurdle starts, two criteria both Be Aware and Impose Toi fulfil. The latter represents Nicky Henderson who has won four of the past 15 renewals and this looks to have been the plan for some time. Henderson's gelding was a good winner at Newbury when last seen and the first-time cheekpieces could produce further improvement. At bigger prices, Jimmy Du Seuil is an intriguing runner, while Beckett Rock makes some appeal for a stable in better form now. 15.20: Cross Country Steeple Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Vanillier 6/1 I've been all over Vanillier for a while. He's the one for me in the Cross Country Chase. Galvin is a bigger danger at the weights than Stumpton. Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue are keen on Stumpton but I'm not listening, I'm still going with Vanillier. Sam Turner's tip: Stumptown 9/4 The vibes for both Stumptown and Busselton have been strong for some time and narrow preference is for the former who is equipped with the cheekpieces for the first time. The selection won a similar race over course and distance before Christmas and, although he has been punished by the handicapper for that defeat of Mister Coffey, his trainer is a master at finding improvement. Busselton has been backed from 20-1 into a third of those odds in the ante-post lists and has 15 lengths to find with Stumptown from December, however he is better off at the weights here and could trouble the market leader. 16.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon, all day, every day. He comes here on an upward curve and I hope he wins. He's a brilliant horse and I hope he gets the credit he deserves. He's an absolute good thing. Sam Turner's tip: Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon's critics will point to the fact he has been beaten three times at Cheltenham, while handicappers will point to his best six career efforts taking place away from Prestbury Park. However, the nine-year-old has won all eight of his starts with Nico de Boinville on board and he looks sure to have a good pace to aim at here with the front-running Solness in opposition. Of his rivals, Marine Nationale should relish the drying ground and strong pace and looks the best placed to cause Jonbon most problems. Ed Chamberlin's tip: Jonbon 5/6 The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the big race of the day, and one of the big horses of the week. I can't wait to see Jonbon – I love him. Sir Anthony McCoy would come back and ride him if he could. He's unbeatable, I think, under Nico de Boinville – and how pleased am I that Sky Bet are going to super boost Jonbon – fantastic! 16.40: Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Ruby Walsh: Third Time Lucki 22/1 Last year's winner Unexpected Party has a massive chance again. Third Time Lucki ran well enough on his first run for Fergal O'Brien's yard, he's dropped enough in the weights and he's an each-way poke. Sam Turner's tip: My Mate Mozzie 6/1 No horse has won this event back-to-back since 1959 so Unexpected Party must defy history to repeat his win from 12 months ago. However, his trainer is brilliant at targeting Festival handicaps so he can't be discounted despite the stats. Proper spring ground is ideal for My Mate Mozzie who came from a long way back to take second in a hot Leopardstown handicap last time. He could be the chief beneficiary from a strong gallop. JPR One (ground will also suit), Traprain Law (should relish a generous pace) and Dancing On My Own (decent course form) also made the shortlist. 17.20: Champion Bumper Ruby Walsh's tip: Copacabana 5/2 Bambino Fever surprised up a bit at Leopardstown. She's a pretty good mare. We've only had Aqua Force a couple of weeks. Gameofinches came to us after winning a point-to-point in November so we didn't have him in the yard until a couple of weeks after that. He had been trained to win that so he's a very lean horse. He's not difficult to train but you can't train them like one you've had through pre-season and you're building through the year. Copacabana is that horse. He's been in the routine a long time. I was impressed with him at Navan. I put him up after that and I haven't changed my mind. He's the one. Sam Turner's tip: Bambino Fever 6/1 Given Willie Mullins has trained the winner of this contest a staggering 13 times, it seems prudent to seriously consider his five runners. The market seems to favour Navan scorer Copacabana and Gameofinches, a good winner at Punchestown last month, and both look to have all the skills required to win this finale. However, Bambino Fever looked an exceptional mare when scoring at the Dublin Racing Festival and she might put her turn of foot to good use. No Drama This End could be the best of British, while El Cairos will be overlooked in the market given his amateur rider.
