THERE was another surprise in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, as one of the bankers of the meeting, Jonbon (5/6 favourite), blew his chances with an early blunder. Sean Flanagan made the most of the opportunity aboard Marine Nationale (5/1), as Barry Connell’s charge stormed home to an 18-length victory.

Michael O’Sullivan was in many people’s thoughts, with the late jockey having partnered Marine Nationale to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two years prior, and indeed rode him to win his first six starts of his career.