Connell rejects 'Mickey Mouse' form of Clarence House Chase Barry Connell has branded yesterday’s Clarence House Chase won by Jonbon as being a ‘Mickey Mouse race’, with the owner/trainer also confirming champion chaser Marine Nationale to be on course for the Dublin Racing Festival. Winner of the 2023 Supreme Novices Hurdle and last March’s Champion Chase, Marine Nationale’s adoring trainer Connell has trash-talked opponents over the years and recently dismissed the J.P. McManus-owned Jonbon’s credentials as a top chaser. Speaking two weeks ago, Connell reported: “He's (Il Etait Temps) done what he's done, he's beaten Jonbon by eight lengths but everybody beats Jonbon by eight lengths.” Jonbon returned to winning ways at Ascot yesterday, with Il Etait Temps having fallen heavily at the second-last, and today Connell expanded “It was a Mickey Mouse race which was over-hyped by ITV, as it normally is. “I can’t see any of those horses having a chance at Cheltenham in March — I couldn’t see it before the race and couldn’t see it afterwards either. I think if we jump a clear round, we win.” Regarding Marine Nationale’s current well-being, Connell added “He is in savage form and was entitled to come out of the Christmas race a bit tired, as he had a lot of ground to make up following the (second fence) mistake. He has bounced out of it brilliantly and we couldn’t have him in better shape now. We are greatly looking forward to the Dublin Racing Festival.” Marine Nationale is the even-money favourite for Leopardstown’s Ladbrokes Dublin Chase on February 1, ahead of the Cheltenham festival in March.
