2.25 2m. 1f. 6 Declared. Goffs Irish Arkle Novice S'chase (Grade 1) of €150,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €90,000.00 2nd - €30,000.00 3rd - €15,000.00 4th - €7,500.00 5th - €4,500.00 6th - €3,000.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - The exciting, and unbeaten, MARINE NATIONALE is taken to continue his progression over fences. Barry Connell's French Navy gelding put the seal on his hurdling exploits with successes in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and Grade 1 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He is already odds-on favourite for the Arkle at Prestbury Park next month after a wide-margin victory in a beginners' chase over CD last month. There is a lot of depth to Found A Fifty's form over fences as he was beaten by an Irish Grand National winner in the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairyhouse before staying on best to land a Grade 1 novice chase over CD in December. He is a very worthy opponent. Facile Vega was beaten into second by Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and into fourth by Found A Fifty over fences here last month, but remains a very talented sort with a record of eight wins from 11 races across all codes.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 11st 10lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs