Jockey Sean Flanagan produced a ride of sheer determination and skill to remain aboard the star chaser Marine Nationale, who went on to finish a close second in a thrilling Grade One Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown on Friday, 27th December.
A Heart-Stopping Moment of Drama
The incident occurred early in the two-mile contest as the horses approached the second fence. Marine Nationale, the reigning champion of the division trained by Barry Connell, suddenly jinked to his right upon landing. The move violently unbalanced Flanagan, who was left clinging to the reins as momentum threatened to catapult him from the saddle.
In a split-second display of incredible poise, Flanagan steered sharply in the opposite direction, managing to regain his equilibrium and his partnership with the horse. The miraculous recovery allowed the pair to continue in the race without losing significant ground.
A Valiant Fight to the Line
This was Marine Nationale's first run since completing a prestigious Punchestown and Cheltenham Festival double earlier in the year. After his early error, he was briefly outpaced approaching the final two fences. However, the gelding rallied with tremendous courage under Flanagan's drive.
He launched a sustained challenge to the Joseph O'Brien-trained Solness (8-1), ridden by Sam Ewing, and pressed the leader all the way to the finish line. The winning margin was a mere half-a-length, with the well-fancied 6-4 favourite Majborough back in third.
Market Reaction and Future Targets
Bookmakers were quick to react to Marine Nationale's gutsy performance despite the early scare. William Hill slashed his odds for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March to 5-2 from a longer price, reaffirming his status as a leading contender.
Majborough was pushed out to 8-1 (from 5-1) for the same Prestbury Park showpiece. Winning trainer Joseph O'Brien, who was narrowly denied in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, praised his victor. "The horse is as tough as nails," O'Brien said, also commending the ride from Sam Ewing, who stood in for the concussed JJ Slevin.
O'Brien added that Solness would return to Leopardstown for the Dublin Racing Festival, a track that clearly suits his aggressive running style. The performance of Marine Nationale, in defeat, has set the stage for an enthralling build-up to Cheltenham.
