THE horse with a French-sounding name, Marine Nationale is actually an Irish-bred, a son of the former Kildangan Stud sire French Navy (Shamardal), and out of a mare who was once trained by Sir Henry Cecil.

Barry Connell owns and trains Marine Nationale, and the five-year-old is now unbeaten in four starts, two each in bumpers and over hurdles. On Sunday he went in at the deep end, contesting the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, and he emerged with flying colours. Yes, the margin of a head would not at first glance appear impressive, but he almost came to a standstill at the last, and showed courage and determination to get up and win.