Trainer Barry Connell Backs Marine Nationale for Cheltenham Defence
Barry Connell, the trainer and owner of Marine Nationale, has expressed unwavering confidence that his stable star will mount a formidable defence of his BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase crown at next month's Cheltenham Festival. This comes despite the nine-year-old gelding suffering defeat to Majborough at the recent Dublin Racing Festival.
Perfect Cheltenham Record Inspires Confidence
Connell, who has never been reticent about praising his charge, pointed to Marine Nationale's flawless record at Prestbury Park as the foundation for his optimism. The horse has triumphed on both previous visits, securing the 2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle before delivering an emphatic 18-length victory in last year's Champion Chase.
"He's been to Cheltenham twice, he's won twice and hasn't come off the bridle twice," Connell stated emphatically during a press briefing at his Boherbaun Stables in County Kildare. "I think we'll see a different horse again in March."
Explaining the Leopardstown Defeat
The trainer attributed the recent runner-up finish at Leopardstown to exceptionally adverse conditions, describing the ground as the heaviest he has witnessed at the track in twenty-five years. Connell revealed that while the easy decision would have been to withdraw the horse, he believed the run would cause no lasting harm.
"He never got into a rhythm in the early part of the race and was out of his comfort zone," Connell explained. "But to his credit when they slowed it down halfway down the back he started to get back into it again."
Respect for Rival Majborough
Despite the nineteen-length margin of defeat, Connell acknowledged the quality of Majborough's performance at Leopardstown, praising the Willie Mullins-trained gelding's flawless jumping. However, he firmly believes the official ratings and differing track conditions tell a story that favours his horse at Cheltenham.
"On official ratings we've 5lb to make up and I hope it will be a different story come Cheltenham," Connell said, highlighting Marine Nationale's proven affinity for the Festival course. "We know our horse loves Cheltenham."
Post-Race Recovery and Market Position
Connell reported that Marine Nationale has recovered well from his Dublin exertions, is eating normally, and has returned to light work. In the betting markets, Majborough is currently the 13-8 favourite for the Champion Chase, with Marine Nationale priced at 5-2 and Il Etait Temps at 7-1.
Connell's Frank Assessment of Rivals
Never one to mince words, Connell also offered a characteristically blunt assessment of other potential contenders. He described Jonbon's recent Clarence House Chase victory, where only two horses finished, as a "Mickey Mouse race" given its questionable value as a Champion Chase trial.
"I just say what I think and people are probably fed up listening to me bigging up my own horses," Connell admitted. "I'm not going to do it again, only for him, because I know how good he is."
With Marine Nationale now nine years old and, in Connell's view, at the prime of his life, all attention turns to the Cotswolds next month for what promises to be a thrilling rematch and a staunch defence of a cherished crown.
