Style Wednesday at Cheltenham was a day filled with emotion and remarkable victories, with approximately 42,000 spectators in attendance. Reflecting on the day, Cheltenham Racecourse Chief Executive Guy Lavender remarked, “Beyond the fashion, we’ve witnessed more unforgettable moments on track, with poignant wins from MARINE NATIONALE and JAZZY MATTY providing a fitting tribute to Michael O’Sullivan.”
The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase carried a deeply emotional atmosphere, as the racing community remembered the late jockey Michael O’Sullivan. JAZZY MATTY, ridden by Danny Gilligan, put up a valiant chase to the finish. Trainer Cian Collins expressed his joy, saying, “It’s unbelievable. We were very hopeful coming here today, but it’s Cheltenham—you need luck on your side, and we had that. MARINE NATIONALE and JAZZY MATTY both winning—this doesn’t happen often. This is for Michael.” Winning rider Danny Gilligan added, “It went very smoothly, never missed a beat the whole way around. I’m sure everyone knows there’s someone very special looking down on us today. That was for Michael.”
THE NEW LION delivered an 80th festival win for owner J.P. McManus in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, partnered with Harry Skelton, overcoming a strong challenge from YELLOW CLAY. Winning trainer Dan Skelton was full of praise, saying, “I felt relieved. I trusted him the whole way, and Harry trusted him just as much from the saddle. He got tight at the last, but I just knew he’d win. It was sublime. A great race, great novices—I’m very proud of him. I haven’t had one who can do things like this. His simplicity is his greatest asset.”
LECKY WATSON emerged victorious in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase under jockey Sean O’Keeffe. Trainer Willie Mullins lauded the ride, saying, “He has improved all season. We advised Sean to maybe go a little bit wider and keep out of trouble, and he executed it perfectly. It was an excellent ride.”
JIMMY DU SEUIL secured victory in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, handing another festival win to trainer Willie Mullins—his 107th at Cheltenham. Winning jockey Danny Mullins acknowledged the trainer’s expertise, saying, “He was second to Ballyburn last year, which was a strong piece of form. But first run in a handicap around here? You’d want to be banking on Willie Mullins for that.”
STUMPDOWN defied a top weight of 11st 10lbs to claim the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, guided by Keith Donoghue. The jockey was full of admiration for his mount, saying, “He really enjoys these fences. I was glad we put cheekpieces on him today.”
The Bet MGM Queen Mother Champion Chase was claimed by MARINE NATIONALE, expertly ridden to victory by Sean Flanagan, securing his second festival triumph. Trainer Barry Connell was eager to highlight the horse’s outstanding performance.
BAMBINO FEVER stormed to victory in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, with Jody Townend in the saddle for trainer Willie Mullins. Townend, elated with the win, said, “I’m on cloud nine. It’s an incredible feeling.
