Before we dive into today’s action, let’s look back at one of the most poignant days in racing history…
Dan Skelton’s The New Lion kickstarted proceedings in style when winning the Turners, despite being friendless in the market all morning. The Yellow Clay was beaten into second, with favourite Final Demand back in fourth.
The first shock of the day then came inn the Brown Advisory when 4/7 favourite Ballyburn made countless errors to blow his chances, with Lecky Watson (20/1) running out a worthy winner after travelling sweetly into the race and picking up when asked.
Jimmy Du Seuil (16/1) then landed the Coral Cup, despite being last seen 313 days prior. Stumptown then defied top weight to win the Cross Country Chase, bolting up by seven lengths at odds of 5/2.
All the talk before the Champion Chase was about Jonbon, but that soon changed after Marine Nationale (5/1) cruised to an 18-length win. The success was the perfect tribute to the late Michael O’Sullivan, who rode the gelding to victory in 2023 in a ride which truly put both on the map.
Under an hour late, the tears flowed again when Jazzy Matty (15/2) – O’Sullivan’s only other Cheltenham winer – dug deep to see off the challenge of favourite Unexpected Party to land the Grannd Annual, and a remarkable quickfire double for O’Sullivan’s loved ones in a truly special moment.
Willie Mullins then recorded his 14th Champion Bumper success when Bambino Fever (4/1) strode clear in the finale, providing Jody Townend with her first Cheltenham win.
