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Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Recap

Mar 13, 2025 | Cheltenham Festival

Written By: author avatar Adir Izhaick
author avatar Adir Izhaick
Armed with a critical eye and years experience, Adir breaks down the highs and lows of every match.
Reviewed By: reviewer avatar Marta Gomes
reviewer avatar Marta Gomes
a sharp-eyed sports reviewer with a knack for spotting game-changing moments
Emotional Triumphs and Stunning Upsets Mark Day Two of Cheltenham Festival 2025

The second day of the Cheltenham Festival 2025, known as Style Wednesday, delivered a mix of poignant victories and unexpected results that left spectators and punters alike in awe.

The day’s headline race, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, saw a stunning upset as Marine Nationale, ridden by Michael O’Leary, stormed to victory. The 7-1 shot finished an impressive 18 lengths ahead of hot favorite Jonbon, who hit a fence during the race and could only manage second place12.

In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Marine Nationale’s win held special significance. The horse was one of two previous Cheltenham winners ridden by the late Michael O’Sullivan, who tragically passed away last month at age 24. Adding to the poignancy, Jazzy Matty, O’Sullivan’s other Festival winner, claimed victory in the Grand Annual Chase later in the day13.

The Turners Novices’ Hurdle opened the day with another thrilling finish. The New Lion, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother Harry, narrowly defeated The Yellow Clay by three-quarters of a length. This marked the sole British victory of the day in a festival dominated by Irish success14.

Other notable results included:

Lecky Watson’s surprise win in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, beating the highly favored Ballyburn2.

Jimmy Du Seuil’s victory in the competitive Coral Cup Hurdle2.

Stumptown justifying his favorite status in the Cross Country Chase2.

The day concluded with the Champion Bumper, the festival’s only flat race, where Bambino Fever, ridden by Josephine Townend, claimed victory at 4-1 odds2.

Queen Camilla’s presence added a royal touch to the proceedings, as she offered comfort to Charlotte Giles, partner of the late Michael O’Sullivan, during trophy presentations1.

As the festival reaches its halfway point, attention now turns to Day Three, St. Patrick’s Thursday, featuring the highly anticipated Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle

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@vivoscores Style Wednesday Recap: Drama and Triumphs! 🐴🎉 What a day at Cheltenham! 🎊 Marine Nationale stunned in the Champion Chase, while Jazzy Matty delivered an emotional win. 🙏 Plus, The New Lion roared in the Turners Novices' Hurdle! 🦁 Who were your highlights? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #CheltenhamFestival #StyleWednesday #HorseRacing ♬ original sound - Vivo Scores
author avatar
Adir Izhaick Author
Armed with a critical eye and years experience, Adir breaks down the highs and lows of every match.