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New jockey for Marine Nationale after Barry Connell and Michael O'Sullivan split following disagreement
Barry Connell and stable jockey Michael O'Sullivan have parted ways in a shock split, with Sean Flanagan set to take over on star chaser Marine Nationale for the first time.
O'Sullivan and Connell have enjoyed plenty of success together since first teaming up in 2021, including three Grade 1 wins in the 2022-23 season, most notably when Marine Nationale surged past Facile Vega to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Smart novice hurdler Good Land was another ace for the partnership, but the pair have gone their separate ways. Flanagan will take the bulk of the rides for the stable this season, with amateur jockey Finny Maguire also set to take a more prominent role for the operation.
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