Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend embraced by Queen Camilla after emotional Cheltenham double

Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles was at Cheltenham on Wednesday to see the ill-fated jockey’s former Festival winners Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty secure an emotional double

Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles embarced with Queen Camilla on an emotional day at the Cheltenham Festival.

O’Sullivan’s family was invited to day two of the Cheltenham Festival, with Charlotte attending, after the ill-fated jockey died last month at the age of 24, having succumbed to injuries he sustained in a fall at Thurles 10 days prior. O’Sullivan rode two winners at the Cheltenham Festival, securing a double on the opening day in 2023 on Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty.

On a poignant day, Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty, stormed to victory in the Champion Chase and Grand Annual respectively on Wednesday.

Cheltenham was once again the scene of emotional celebrations as the Barry Connnell-trained Marine Nationale clinched the day two feature under Wexford jockey Sean Flanagan at odds of 5/1. Marine Nationale became synonymous with O’Sullivan, after the Cork native scored a landmark victory in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

In a moving moment, Michael’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles was invited to take the winning trophy, and she shared an emotional embrace with the Queen.

Reflecting on their special bond, Charlotte said: “Michael loved the horse very much, they started their careers together and went on a journey together. The horse has certainly put his heart and soul into today and it means a lot.

“At the last jump, I kind of got a bit of a fright, but Michael was certainly with him every step of the way and it was incredible to watch it.

“I think the horse has shown what a connection he had with Michael, they understood each other and Michael always rated the horse so highly.

“In moments like this, we get a great sense that he is here with us. I think it’s moments like this that show he is here with us and he’ll always be there.”

Speaking after the win, Connell expressed: “It’s very poignant and it’s very raw, the whole thing with Michael over the last three or four weeks has been absolutely horrible and my thoughts and prayers are with the family, his friends and his girlfriend. I think this is hopefully a fitting tribute to him.

“It’s an absolute tragedy that he’s left us, but he has a record he can be really proud of. He achieved more in his lifetime than a lot of riders who get to ride for a lot longer achieve.

“I’d like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend Charlotte, who is here. Our hearts go out to all his family and his friends and his girlfriend, racing is a great community and gets behind people when things like this happen.”

Jockey Flanagan also gave an emotional interview to ITV, saying: “All the jockeys in Ireland, and in England and the rest of the world, have been under a cloud for the last couple of weeks. I’m only the man that steered him round today, Michael is the man who made him what he is. He’ll never be forgotten for that.”