JONJO O’NEILL JR revealed Michael O’Sullivan was the inspiration behind his gear at Cheltenham – admitting “I cry every time I think of him”.
O’Neill Jr won the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase on Jagwar, during day three at Prestbury Park on Thursday.
His heart was on his sleeve during and after the race, as was the Cork crest in honour of his friend Michael O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan, 24, tragically died on February 16 following a fall at Thurles, and his memory was honoured throughout Cheltenham.
And during his post-race interview, Jonjo O’Neill Jr revealed he had a Cork crest on his sleeve before paying an emotional tribute.
He said: “Michael used to stay with me during Cheltenham.
“He is from Cork, which is our family county, and not far away from Mallow which is where all my family is from.
“He was an unbelievable human being.
“You could just tell how every one has been like since he passed. He has left such an impression on so many people in 24 years.
“I never ever cry and I used to think there was something wrong with me but every time I think about him, I cry.
“It is so upsetting and I just feel so much for the O’Sullivan family – Bernadette and William and Alan and his girlfriend Charlotte.
“It is really, really sad.”
O’Neill Jr’s victory was one of many poignant moments to take place during the Festival.
On Tuesday, it opened with a tribute to O’Sullivan which left his family visibly emotional.
Shortly after, Paul Townend had to wipe away tears after winning the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – renamed in honour of the Irishman – on Kopek Des Bordes.
On Wednesday, something truly special happened when Marine Nationale won the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
O’Sullivan had won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on board the very same horse two years ago.
And if that was not enough, in the very next race, Jazzy Matty – on which O’Sullivan had also won in 2023 – won the Grand Annual.
His brother Alan, meanwhile, saddled Walking On Air for the Kim Muir Handicap Chase on Thursday for what was his first ever Festival race.
This Festival has been very poignant, obviousyl yesterday with Marine Nationale and Jazzy Mattyu winning. It has been a very fitting triebut to Michael which he very much deserves.
