Marine Nationale after winning the Sky Bet Supreme Novice Hurdle last season.© Photo Healy Racing
Following a somewhat disappointing conclusion to his novice chase campaign this season, Marine Nationale is reported to be back in rude health with a tilt at the Queen Mother Champion Chase his ultimate objective in 2025.
Speaking at Punchestown on Friday, trainer Barry Connell explained: “He just had a little suspensory tweak and the scan is 100 percent.
“He's going out to grass next and we'll get him in in July and maybe start him off by giving him a run on the Flat.
“Because he hasn't won a Grade 1 he's eligible for Grade 3s and 2s like the Poplar Square and those types of race.
“He can get loads of experience, getting the allowances. Hopefully we can give him two of three spins in those types of races.
“I don't want to be going to the Hilly Way in November in heavy ground. He'll go to Leopardstown then the Dublin Racing Festival and the Queen Mother.”
The gelding had won his first six starts under rules, remaining unbeaten in both bumpers and over hurdles. Following a very impressive chasing debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, he was sent off a warm favourite for the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.
After suffering a surprise defeat, the seven-year-old had been an intended runner in the Cheltenham equivalent before a late injury scare forced connections to miss that engagement.
