Charlotte Giles was on the winners’ podium after Marine Nationale, the horse who gave O’Sullivan his first Festival victory, won the Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen shared a warm embrace with the girlfriend of Michael O’Sullivan after an incredibly poignant day at Cheltenham on Wednesday.
Charlotte Giles was invited to day two of the Cheltenham Festival where Marine Nationale, who gave the late O’Sullivan his first victory at the meeting, was contesting the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase.
O’Sullivan, a rising star of the saddle, died aged 24 in February from the injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles.
The young talent was tipped for the top even since he steered the Barry Connell-owned and trained Marine Nationale to victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023.
And on an incredibly emotional day not only did Marine Nationale triumph but so did Jazzy Matty, who O’Sullivan had also ridden to victory on the same day at Cheltenham two years ago.
Giles spent the race with Connell and was invited onto the winners’ podium where Queen Camilla presented the trophy.
The pair shared a touching moment as the Queen gave Giles a warm embrace.
Giles said: “Michael loved the horse very much, they started their careers together and went on a journey together.
“The horse has certainly put his heart and soul into today and it means a lot.”
Marine Nationale, who was ridden by Sean Flanagan, was upside Quilixios at the final fence and was presented with victory when his rival crumpled to the ground on landing.
“At the last jump, I kind of got a bit of a fright, but Michael was certainly with him every step of the way and it was incredible to watch it,” said Giles.
“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. I think it’s moments like this that show he is here with us and he’ll always be there.”
Just 40 minutes after Marine Nationale won, Jazzy Matty captured the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.
In 2023 the horse won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, ridden by O’Sullivan. Winning trainer Cian Collins said: “I said that Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty winning doesn’t happen often. This is for Michael.”
