MARINE NATIONALE owner Barry Connell dedicated Cheltenham victory to Michael O’Sullivan’s brave girlfriend Charlotte Giles.
Jockey Sean Flanagan rode him to a win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase today.
The 5/1 chance beat the heavy favourite Jonbon and there was emotional scenes at the end of the race.
Marine Nationale had won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two years ago with O’Sullivan in the saddle.
But the highly-rated 24-year-old jockey tragically passed away last month following injuries sustained after a fall.
The horse’s owner Connell said to ITV after victory: “The thing is, it is how poignant and how raw the whole thing has been over the last three or four weeks.
“It has been horrendous. Michael went on a journey with this horse. He rode him in all his races in his novice season over hurdles.
“He started as a 7lb claimer with us and I asked him to turn pro. He ended up winning three Grade 1 races as a claimer, leading rider on the first day and then champion conditional.
“I don’t think the historians can find anyone that did all that.
“It’s an absolute tragedy that he’s left us, but he has a record that we can all be proud of.
“He achieved more in a lifetime than a lot of riders who’ve been riding a long time achieved.
“I’d like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend Charlotte who’s here.
“Our hearts go out to all the family and friends. Hopefully this is a fitting end.”
Flanagan, who wore the same colours as O’Sullivan did for his famous win on Marine Nationale, added to the touching tributes, saying: “This is for you, Michael.
“All the jockeys in the world have been under a cloud. Michael is the man that made this horse what he is.
“He will never be forgotten for that. I was only drafted in very late and paid to steer him round.”
