Marine Nationale victory inspires O'Sullivan tribute

Jockey who died last month rode the same horse to victory two years ago

- Greg Wood

At the moment of his greatest racing triumph, after a lifetime in the sport as a spectator, an amateur jockey, owner and now a trainer, Barry Connell's thoughts after Marine Nationale's victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase yesterday turned, immediately and inevitably, to Michael O'Sullivan, who rode the same horse to victory in the Supreme Novice Hurdle here two years ago and died last month, from injuries sustained in a fall.

"The obvious thing is how raw and poignant it's all been over the last four weeks," Connell said. "Michael and myself 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, and he ended up winning three Grade Ones as a claimer and was leading rider [with two wins] on the first day [at Cheltenham two years ago].

"It's an absolute tragedy that he's left us but he's a record that he can be really proud of, he's achieved more in a lifetime than a lot of riders who ride a lot longer ever achieve. So I'd like to dedicate this win to Michael and to his girlfriend Charlotte, who was here with the horse when we were saddling up. Our hearts go out to all of his family and friends and his girlfriend - racing is a great community and gets behind people when things like this happen."