NAT'S THE WAY TO DO IT

It's written in the stars as O'Sullivan's 2023 winners bring the house down with emotional double

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IF the chaos of Tuesday's Champion Hurdle was the work of demons, yesterday's results were ordained from above the clouds.

Marine Nationale, the horse the late Michael O'Sullivan rode to victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2023, returned to Cheltenham for an emotion-charged BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase triumph (left).

Forty minutes later, Jazzy Matty, on whom the jockey had completed a double the same afternoon, lifted the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase. "I'd like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend, Charlotte (below), who is here with the horse," said winning trainer Barry Connell after watching Marine Nationale and Sean Flanagan come home 18 lengths clear of Jonbon.

"Michael and myself went on a journey with this horse. It is an absolute tragedy that he has left us, but he achieved more than a lot of riders who have ridden a lot longer have.