Barry Connell backing Marine Nationale
MARINE Nationale is said to be “as good as ever” ahead of his bid for back-to-back wins in Tuesday’s William Hill Champion Chase.
The nine-year-old completed a memorable double at Punchestown last year, following his Cheltenham romp a month earlier. However, his season has not gone to plan so far, having finished second twice at Leopardstown and missed Cheltenham.
Speaking to The Irish Field’s The Racing Edge podcast, Connell said: “It’s been a very disruptive season with the horse. He hasn’t had the bounce of the ball at all. It started at Christmas, where he was just mad fresh and took off a stride too early and landed on top of the fence and gave away probably 15 lengths and still nearly got up to win.
“Then we went to the DRF and the ground was bottomless, which wouldn’t have suited, so we were hoping to head to Cheltenham, but about 10 days before the Festival I think he must have got cast in his box because he was sore for about a week. We had to miss Cheltenham, which was very disappointing.
“But look, he’s in great form. We had himself, William Munny and a lead horse do a nice piece of work at Fairyhouse after the Easter Festival. I think he’s as good as ever, we’re very happy with him and it looks like the ground is drying out, which should be a help. He’s going back to Punchestown to defend his crown and we’re expecting a big run.”
He added: “The fact that we missed Cheltenham this year, I think, is probably a positive, because we know our guy runs well when he’s fresh. We’re going there this season a little under the radar, but we’re used to that. At Cheltenham last year, we were the easiest winner of the week, but the talk was all about Jonbon making a mistake. Then at Punchestown nobody gave us a chance because Fact To File was going to win in a canter. I seem to be the only one that is confident about the horse, but that’s fine.”
Connell hopes to run Eachtotheirown in the Grade 1 PRL Champion Novice Hurdle on Tuesday, and William Munny in Friday’s Grade 1 Boodles Champion Hurdle.
Connell said: “They went no gallop in the Supreme [when Eachtotheirown finished down the field]. It turned into a crawl and then a sprint. The winner and runner-up were in front all the way. Our guy can be a bit keen so we decided to drop him in and, if he could get a truly-run race he’d be fine, but it just didn’t happen. He’ll be going chasing next season, so I’d rather run him a Grade 1 next week rather than a handicap. I think in a properly-run race, he’d definitely be competitive.”
William Munny has not been seen in public since finishing second to Kopek Des Bordes in the 2025 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Punchestown has long been the plan after suffering a setback in training last autumn.
Connell said: “I want to get a run into him in open company, so that when we’re going for the Morgiana next season, he’s not going in as a novice. He’s definitely going to come on for the run, but I think he’ll hopefully be able to do himself justice and be competitive.”
TG4 will screen a 30-minute preview of the 2026 Punchestown Festival on Monday at 7.30pm. It will also be available on the TG4 player and catch-up services.
Denis Kirwan presents the magazine-style preview. It includes an interview with Willie Mullins and several other leading connections, with analysis from Donn McClean and Daragh O’Conchúir.
TUESDAY at Punchestown is Treo Eile day.
The charity, which specialises in connecting retired thoroughbreds with second careers, is asking racegoers and supporters for a bit of help by making a donation during the day.
Racegoers at Punchestown will enjoy a special parade of crowd favourites including Faugheen, Sizing John, Douvan, Josie’s Orders and Minella Indo, followed by a dressage display showcasing former racehorses.
You can show your appreciation by donating online or on the day at the Treo Eile stand near the weighroom. Those who donate on the day will have their names entered into a draw to win a signed photo of Gaelic Warrior winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup.