The Cheltenham Festival 2026 has been dealt a significant blow with the withdrawal of defending champion Marine Nationale from the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. The nine-year-old horse, who secured a stunning 18-length victory in the two-mile highlight just twelve months ago, will not defend his crown next week after suffering a neck injury.
Injury Forces Last-Minute Withdrawal
Marine Nationale's owner and trainer, Barry Connell, revealed the setback to the Press Association, explaining that the horse was found to be very sore through his neck during a morning check. Connell speculated that Marine Nationale may have gotten cast in his box, leading to the injury. The vet promptly administered pain relief medication, but the timing proved disastrous for Cheltenham preparations.
"If it happened a couple of weeks ago we might have been all right, but we're just out of time," Connell stated. "He's been the soundest horse we've ever trained – he's never sick and he's never lame – but it is what it is. We don't think it's anything too serious and we'll hopefully have him back for Punchestown."
Champion's Recent Form and Festival History
Marine Nationale had established himself as a Festival favourite with two previous wins at Prestbury Park. In addition to his dominant Champion Chase triumph in 2025, he had previously secured the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2023. Despite finishing second in both of his runs at Leopardstown this season, his team remained optimistic about his chances of showcasing his true ability upon returning to Cheltenham next week.
The withdrawal marks a disappointing turn for connections who had high hopes for the defending champion's campaign. Marine Nationale had been trading as the 2-1 second favourite for the race before the injury announcement.
Market Shakeup: Majborough Emerges as Clear Favourite
With Marine Nationale out of contention, the betting market has undergone a dramatic reshuffle. Majborough, trained by Willie Mullins, has now been installed as the odds-on favourite for next Wednesday's showpiece event. The horse shortened from 5-4 to 4-6 with Coral following the withdrawal news.
David Stevens of Coral commented: "Majborough had been favourite for the Champion Chase since he beat Marine Nationale at Leopardstown last month, and following the news that the latter won't be lining up at Cheltenham next week, JP McManus's runner has joined his stablemate, Fact To File, as the shortest priced contender for a race at this year's Festival."
Revised Betting Landscape
The updated market for the Queen Mother Champion Chase now features:
- Majborough: 4-6 favourite (from 5-4)
- L'Eau Du Sud: 7-2 second favourite (from 7-1)
- Il Etait Temps: 5-1
This development adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling Cheltenham Festival, with the absence of the defending champion creating opportunities for other contenders in one of jump racing's most prestigious events.
