Jazzy Matty does his bit to honour memory of Michael O’Sullivan

Only 40 minutes after Marine Nationale stormed to the Queen Mother Champion Chase title, Jazzy Matty further honoured the memory of the late Michael O’Sullivan at Cheltenham with a poignant success in the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.

O’Sullivan enjoyed a fine day one of the 2023 Festival when registering a memorable double aboard both Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty and two years later, both were back to triumph again in the late jockey’s memory at Prestbury Park.

Jazzy Matty has switched hands to Cian Collins since his previous Festival success, but his course form was exemplary and the 15-2 chance was always travelling stylishly in the ultra-competitive two-mile event.

Left to fight out the finish with defending champion Unexpected Party it was the Irish raider who came out on top thanks to a fine ride from Danny Gilligan who was enjoying his second Festival success.

Mervyn Gray of the Top Man Racing syndicate said: “We just can’t believe it. We gave him a great chance at the weights and the race went like a dream, he pinged every fence.

“Somebody is looking over us today and our thoughts and hearts are with Michael.”

Collins added: “It’s unbelievable. We were very hopeful coming here today, but it’s Cheltenham and we needed a lot of luck on our side. We had that. I said that that – Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty winning – doesn’t happen often. This is for Michael.”

He added: “He’s gone from strength to strength since we got him. He really enjoys the way we train, and it’s unbelievable to have got this today. It’s been a long couple of weeks before today – we only had one horse coming over and a lot of time and effort has gone into him.

“Everyone at home in the yard – we’ve a great team and to get this is unbelievable. To win on the big stage means so much and hopefully showcases that we can get one ready for the big day as well.”

Earlier on the card, Jimmy Du Seuil came out on top as Willie and Danny Mullins teamed up to great effect in the Coral Cup.

The six-year-old was a 16-1 chance when returning from a long absence from the track, with his last run coming at Punchestown in May last year.

It was also his handicap debut but none of those factors stood in his way and he took up the lead just after the final flight and accelerated up the hill to defeat Impose Toi by three lengths.

Winning rider Mullins was quick to praise his uncle: “It was some training performance after a year off the track and he had a nice bit of form with Ballyburn But it was his first time round here, and to jump so well through the race I was obviously delighted.

“All Willie’s have a chance of winning which makes our job so much easier. I did miss out the third-last, but on the whole I was taking lengths off them down the back. My first Festival winner for Willie and obviously I’m delighted to have done that.”