Cheltenham Festival 2025 News: Marine Nationale Wins Poignant Champion Chase

One of the last memories of the Cheltenham Festival for 2025 was created on day two, as Marine Nationale stormed to Champion Chase success just two years after winning the Supreme for the late Michael O'Sullivan.

The Barry Connell-trained runner always looked in control of the race, travelling and jumping well throughout.

However, Marine Nationale's chances of scoring a remarkable win were aided by Jonbon's issues at Cheltenham once again.

The Nicky Henderson runner made a big mistake at a crucial stage, but he still finished strongly to take second ahead of Captain Guinness.

There was British success in the opening race on day two, as The New Lion enhanced his reputation with a smooth display in the G1 Turners Novices' Hurdle.

Harry Skelton tracked the pace throughout, and Final Demand brought the six-year-old into the race.

The victory ended a poor record of Challow winners at the Festival, and also landed an 80th Festival success for J P McManus.

The trend of big-race favourites getting turned over continued in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, as Ballyburn never looked competitive.

Lecky Watson was the shock 20/1 winner, with Stellar Story taking second ahead of Better Days Ahead.

There was further success for Willie Mullins in the Coral Cup, as Jimmy De Seuil was the 16/1 winner, while the Irish maestro also trained Bambino Fever to success in the bumper, giving Jody Townsend a first Festival winner.

There was also a poignant winner in the Grand Annual, as Jazzy Matty completed the same double as O'Sullivan enjoyed on day one of the Festival in 2023 when beating Unexpected Party.

Stumptown was dominant in the Cross Country for Gavin Cromwell.