WRITTEN IN THE STARS

An incredible turn of events provides a bittersweet tribute to fallen hero O'Sullivan

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He was quick to think of his friend, the late Michael O'Sullivan: "Michael O'Sullivan was a big fan of this horse, he said he'd always win a race, a big race.

"He stayed with us in the house here at Cheltenham the last few years as well. He's missing from there this year, but he was a very good friend and we will always miss him."

Mullins completed an unlikely 321-1 early double in the Coral Cup when Jimmy Du Seuil (16-1) held off all challengers under Danny Mullins.

SOMETIMES, it's just meant to be. Sometimes, it's just written in the stars.

On an extraordinary and emotionally-charged day at Cheltenham, just 24 hours after this famous old amphitheatre had stood together in memory of Michael O'Sullivan, the same two horses he made his name on here two years ago both won.

Back-to-back, and incredibly, within 40 minutes of each other.

Bittersweet moments, but beautiful moments too, the tears flowing among many in the winners' enclosure said it all.

O'Sullivan's memory was always going to be front BBrown ADVISORY and centre of Cheltenham 2025, but yesterday was truly remarkable.

The first act was Marine Nationale, the horse O'Sullivan had announced himself to the racing world on in the 2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, capturing the Champion Chase.

Then quite unbelievably, Jazzy Matty, who O'Sullivan completed his opening-day double on two years ago, buzzed up the straight to win the Grand Annual.