‘Michael was with him every step of the way’ says emotional girlfriend amid glory for late jockey’s Cheltenham winners
MICHAEL O’Sullivan’s grief-stricken girlfriend wept tears of joy as two of the late jockey’s previous festival-winning horses romped home to victory.
It was a white fairytale end at snowy Cheltenham, as the tragic rider’s previous victorious nags, Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty, won both of their races.
O’Sullivan sadly passed away last month aged 24 after injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles.
Britain’s Queen Camilla hugged his girlfriend Charlotte Giles as his brother Alan led winning steed Marine Nationale into the parade ring after the big race.
An emotional Charlotte told reporters: “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 it.
“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 is here with us.”
Trainer Barry Connell said: “I’d like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend Charlotte.
“Our hearts go out to his friends and family and girlfriend. Racing is a great community behind people when things like this happen.”
Jockey Sean Flanagan said: “It’s hugely emotional for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, his family obviously have to find it very hard.
“All the jockeys in Ireland, the UK and the world have been under a cloud for the last few weeks.
“I’m only the man that steered him round today, Michael is the man who made him what he is. He will never be forgotten for that.”
Just 40 minutes later, Jazzy Matty, on whom O’Sullivan bagged the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023, won the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.
Jockey Danny Gilligan said: “I think we all know there’s someone very special looking down on us today, especially with Marine Nationale winning the last race.”
Former champion jockey-turned-TV-pundit AP McCoy said: “I’m thinking of the O’Sullivan family at this time. What a horse, what a performance it was.
“It was very emotional to watch him winning. He definitely got a bit of help from above. Fair play to Barry Connell and his team for getting him back to that form again.”
Thousands squeezed through the turnstiles yesterday for Style Wednesday, with a bumper crowd of 41,949 turning out.
The first win of the day went to brothers Dan and Harry Skelton’s The New Lion. Trainer Dan told media how he always “believed he would win” and his brother gave him an “outstanding ride”.
As he crossed the finish line, top jockey Harry, 35, sported a badly swollen right eye and stitches.
He told how a kick in the face from a foal at the weekend nearly wrecked his Cheltenham Festival dream.
He added: “My vision was fine, so I thought, thankfully, it has not kicked my eye.
“But it has definitely kicked something as I had a load of blood pouring out everywhere!”
Trainer Willie Mullins’ Lecky Watson breezed past the post in the Steeple Chase to beat favourites Ballyburn and Dancing City.
And Mullins also bagged the win in the Handicap Hurdle with Jimmy Du Seuil at 16/1.
Stumptown, who saw arrested owner Nathan McDonnell removed from the syndicate last year, got the victory in the Cross Country Chase.
DANI'S DIARY - WEDNESDAY
I WOKE up to a snowy canvas on day two of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, as Prestbury Park was covered in a blanket of white.
But despite the chilly weather, Style Wednesday didn’t disappoint.
Everywhere I turned, photographers were snapping best-dressed hopefuls.
Of course, as well as the fashion, the racing was just as exciting.
It was not a day for the favourites, but I had a few surprise wins.
I got a big rush seeing Michael’s O’Sullivan’s two horses Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty win, and the support of the racing community was heart-warming.
I even spotted a few celes mingling among the crowds including Mike Tindall, Alastair Stewart, Casey O’Gorman, James Haskell and Leon Osman.
Mike Tindall said: “I think Cheltenham always has a good vibe about it. It has always got people who genuinely love watching the horses.”
Heading home, my feet ached from a day in heels, but at least my pockets were a little heavier.
Away from the betting ring, snowy showers failed to dampen spirits, as fashionistas dazzled in their finest attire.
The Slow Fashion Awards, celebrating vintage, borrowed and investment pieces, crowned Cordelia Chugg, 38, from Gloucestershire the winner with her €40 outfit.
She said: “The hat was £5 from eBay and the suit was £30 from a vintage junk shop.
“Everything else was begged, borrowed and stolen from my wardrobe and friends’ wardrobes.
“When it was snowing this morning, I put some ski thermals on underneath, which isn’t so glamorous. I just absolutely love racing and I wear what I love and feel comfortable in.”
FASHION FAVES
Cheltenham local Lisa Lurks said: “I’m wearing a big massive hat, you can’t not miss it, from Lisa Von Ballen, who’s from Cheltenham.
“A few girls have stood out for me. They look absolutely amazing. But the women always look amazing here.”
Elsewhere, Love Island All Stars 2025 winner, Casey O’Gorman, said he was “bloody loving” his first ever time at Cheltenham.
He gushed: “I’ve been to a couple of horse races before, but this is the big dog. I can’t wait to lose lots of money!”