Barry Connell already has his sights set on a novice chasing campaign with William Munny after confirming the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up will not run again this season.

Two years on from Connell winning the Cheltenham Festival curtain raiser with his new Champion Chase hero Marine Nationale, history looked like it may repeat itself as the mount of Sean Flanagan stalked Kopek Des Bordes into the home straight and had Willie Mullins’ star novice within reach at the final flight.