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- Marine Nationale (IRE)
Marine Nationale (IRE)
9yo b g 22nd Feb 2017Track Horse
Track Horse
Marine Nationale (IRE)
b g 22nd Feb 2017Last Win
Punchestown Tue, 29th Apr, 25 2/1, S W Flanagan
Barry Connell
(311 days)
Last Run
Leopardstown Sun, 1st Feb, 26
2nd, 5/4Fav, S W Flanagan
Barry Connell
(33 days)
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There are some races which every owner and trainer wants to win and an excellent example of this is the Queen Mother Champion Chase, one of the four championship races at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Owner/trainer Barry Connell managed to pull off that particular feat with the excellent Marine Nationale at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and he'll be hoping for a repeat performance in 2026. Here we take a closer look at his career so far.
Early days
Marine Nationale is by the relatively unknown sire French Navy, who stands at Kildangan Stud, and his dam Power Of Future won a couple of times over 1m6f on the Flat. He is the mare's fifth foal and three of his siblings managed to win under rules at least once.
Barry Connell's gelding made his debut in a Punchestown bumper in May 2022 and he went on to win rather comfortably. He travelled strongly throughout and did it in good style and the form worked out well too, with the next three horses home all winning next time.
Running in another bumper a couple of months later, the bookies sent him off as the 4/6 favourite and he didn't disappoint. He hit the front with three furlongs to go and drew steadily clear from that point on, scoring by 11 lengths without breaking sweat.
Ruling supreme in the novice hurdle division
Marine Nationale's next run came in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in October 2022 and he scooted clear to score by four lengths, despite being plenty keen enough in the early stages. It was his jumping that really stood out and that would go on to be a major asset.
Connections then decided to step him up in grade for the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse, which was a Grade 1 at the time. This time it was a bit less straightforward but he battled well to collar the very smart Irish Point on the line.
It was a bold move to give him a break before having a crack at the Supreme Novices' Hurdle but Connell freshened him up and got the gelding to Cheltenham in peak condition. Jumping and travelling eye-catchingly well, he kicked clear up the run-in to win well.
The switch to fences
He made the perfect start to his chasing career when winning well at Leopardstown the following Christmas. Making all the running that day, he jumped very well from the front and kicked on to score by a comfortable margin.
Things didn't quite go to plan in the Irish Arkle after that and he was a little disappointing, finishing fifth. Injury led to a lengthy absence subsequently and he returned in November 2024 in a Grade 3 at Naas. Entitled to need the run, he eventually finished second.
Defeats in two Grade 1s at Leopardstown came next but he roared back to his brilliant best in order to win the Champion Chase upon his return to Cheltenham. Jonbon was 18 lengths behind him in second and that horse is certainly no mug.
Beaten by half-a-length on seasonal debut at Leopardstown last month, he was an unlucky loser after jinking badly in the early stages and nearly losing his jockey. The Dublin Racing Festival could be next, although a return to Cheltenham will be the big aim.
Lifetime
Runs
Wins
Places
Win %
Earnings
Level Stk
Hurdle IRE
2
2
0
100%
€58,500
5.94
Chase IRE
8
2
5
25%
€298,300
-3.50
NHF IRE
2
2
0
100%
€13,130
8.17
Hurdle GB
1
1
0
100%
£78,164
4.50
Chase GB
1
1
0
100%
£231,600
5.00
Under Rules Total
14
8
5
57%
20.11
Form Figures
1111-11-523-2112-2
Form Timeline
Form Figures - 1111-11-523-2112-2
Date Course Conditions
Race Result
Jockey
Class
n
MorningSP
Change of Trainer Barry Connell to B Connell
Nov 2018
November National Hunt Sale (Tattersalls (Ireland))
Railstown Stud
Purchaser: Lot Withdrawn
Lots Sold: 770
Prices
Avg: €16,879
Median: €11,000
Maximum: €200,000
Symbols Explained
ts2 Tongue Strap vs2 Visor hd2 Hood es2 Eye Shield ec2 Eye Cover cp2 Cheekpiece bl2 Blinkers tt2 Tongue Tie bf Beaten Favourite on Last Run srMentioned in Stewards Report in Results bbvBroke Blood Vessel
The superscript number on headgear bl2 indicates number of times worn. A plus bl+ indicates more than 10 times where as red background bl1indicates first time.
Date Course
Conditions
Race
Jockey Weight
OR
Class
Date
Sale
Consignor
Purchaser
Price
Nov 2018
November National Hunt Sale (Tattersalls (Ireland))
Railstown Stud
Purchaser: Lot Withdrawn
Lots Sold: 770
Prices
Avg: €16,879
Median: €11,000
Maximum: €200,000
Reports in which Marine Nationale (IRE) was mentioned
Marine Nationale ruled out of Champion Chase
Tue 03rd Mar
Market movers at Leopardstown
Sun 01st Feb
Dublin Racing Festival Sunday Preview
Fri 30th Jan
Connell hoping for Marine success at DRF
Sun 11th Jan
All roads now lead to the DRF for Marine Nationale
Sun 28th Dec
Connell keen to gauge Majborough potential at Cork
Thu 04th Dec
Nationale service set to resume at Navan on Saturday
Fri 14th NovMarine Nationale ready for Fortria duty
Wed 22nd OctMarine Nationale backs up Queen Mother win in Champion Chase
The Barry Connell trained Marine Nationale proved himself to be the best two-mile chaser in training when backing up his Cheltenham success with an impressive display in the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase. Tue 29th Apr
Punchestown Day One Preview
Tue 29th Apr
Marine Nationale ensures Michael O’Sullivan’s legacy is carried forward
Few stages in sport can stir the soul like the Cheltenham Festival and emotion washed over Prestbury Park once more following Marine Nationale’s poignant victory in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. Wed 12th Mar
Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles reflects on poignant double
The late Michael O’Sullivan’s presence was felt at Cheltenham on Wednesday afternoon when both of his former winning Festival rides prevailed again, with his girlfriend and family looking on. Wed 12th Mar
Jazzy Matty does his bit to honour memory of Michael O’Sullivan
Only 40 minutes after Marine Nationale stormed to the Queen Mother Champion Chase title, Jazzy Matty further honoured the memory of the late Michael O’Sullivan at Cheltenham with a poignant success in the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase. Wed 12th Mar
Standing start hitch put Jonbon on the back foot says De Boinville
Nico de Boinville raised the possibility of the standing start being a contributory factor behind Jonbon’s defeat in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. Wed 12th Mar
Emotional Cheltenham scenes, as Marine Nationale takes Champion Chase crown
There were emotional scenes at the Cheltenham Festival as Marine Nationale honoured the memory of the late Michael O’Sullivan by galloping to BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase glory. Wed 12th Mar
Solness too hot to handle again at Leopardstown
Danny Mullins gave Solness a brilliantly judged front-running ride to land the spoils in the Labrokes Dublin Chase at Leopardstown this afternoon. Sun 02nd Feb
Enniskerry provides Connell with a memorable Leopardstown win
Enniskerry nailed Pinot Gris late to give local man Barry Connell a memorable success in the Spinal Injuries Ireland Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown. Fri 27th Dec
Solness keeps up big race momentum for Joseph O'Brien team
Solness rewarded the faith of connections who supplemented him into the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown to give Joseph O’Brien a second Grade One success of the Christmas period. Fri 27th Dec
Quilixios completes a 75/1 double for de Bromhead in Grade 3 Chase
Quilixios completed a double for trainer Henry de Bromhead when making all for a convincing victory over the odds-on Marine Nationale in the Grade 3 Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas. Sun 10th Nov
All eyes on Marine Nationale at Naas this afternoon
Marine Nationale is the star attraction at Naas this afternoon as the Barry Connell-trained gelding seeks to get his career back on track in the Barberstown Castle Chase. Sun 10th Nov
Plenty to interest jump fans on today's Naas card
The €45,000 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle is the feature on an eight-race card at Naas, but most eyes will be on Marine Nationale who makes his eagerly awaited return in Grade 3 company. Sun 10th Nov
Il Etait Temps brings up DRF Grade 1 hat-trick for Danny Mullins
Jockey Danny Mullins completed an incredible back-to-back Grade 1 hat-trick, when getting up close home on Il Etait Temps to win the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown. Sat 03rd Feb
Ballyburn out to enhance big reputation
Ballyburn bids to continue the recent domination of Willie Mullins in the Tattersalls Ireland 50th Derby Sale Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. Sat 03rd Feb
Going unchanged at Leopardstown ahead of DRF day one
Following another dry day, the going is unchanged at Leopardstown ahead of day one of the Dublin Racing Festival this afternoon. Sat 03rd Feb
Nationale claims Supreme for Connell and O'Sullivan
Michael O’Sullivan produced an ice-cool ride aboard Marine Nationale to register a famous victory for trainer Barry Connell in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Tue 14th Mar
Marine Nationale pips Irish Point in Royal Bond thriller
Marine Nationale came with a late rattle to land the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, providing Barry Connell with his first Grade 1 success in the training ranks. Sun 04th Dec
Marine Nationale sails home on hurdling bow
Marine Nationale kept his unbeaten record intact with a cosy success in the two-mile maiden hurdle. Wed 12th Oct
Connell has high hopes for Marine Nationale
Just four lined up for the Jim Ryan Race Services (Pro/Am) Flat Race and it was won in a canter by 4/6 favourite Marine Nationale. Sat 20th Aug
Connell's Marine impresses on debut
Newcomer Marine Nationale ran out an impressive winner of the last at Punchestown, the Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race. Sat 28th May
I didn’t enjoy watching it at all. Last year we were coming in under the radar and this year we are favourite for the Arkle and expected to win,. It’s a horse race and anything can go wrong, but the way he jumped today he’s vindicated what we have seen from his schooling — he’s an absolute natural. He’s only three-quarters fit today and Michael said he gave a little bit of a blow. He was a little gassy early on, but you couldn’t ask for any more than that. The ground is described as soft, but there is a bottom to it. He goes on every ground, but probably wouldn’t like heavy ground. He’s just class with a super engine.
Barry Connell
After race at Punchestown Tue, 29th Apr, 2025 (1st)
We missed a lot of our novice season last year so it was a slow build, and I felt the horse had improved every run and had improved again from Cheltenham and we were proved right. He won doing a half-speed and I think this horse has all the attributes to be a multiple Champion Chase winner going forward. Our target is to win three and equal Badsworth Boy who is the only horse in history to win three Champion Chases despite all of the storied horses over the years. He’s only eight and that’s his 12th run — he has no mileage on the clock, and he grows an extra leg in Cheltenham. He’s so laidback, goes through the gears and just does enough. He doesn’t burn any extra petrol than what he needs. He’s the most wonderful creature and everybody in the yard has had a huge part to play in this. Garrett (Cotter) rides him every day, Mandy looks after him — it’s just a great success for Kildare as there are not too many National Hunt horses trained in Kildare anymore. We only have 13 or 14 horses riding out and we are able to punch at the highest level if we get the ammunition. This is the horse of a lifetime and we are going to mind him and you’ll see him back in Cheltenham next year and he won’t be 10/1 like he was this morning!
Barry Connell
We missed a lot of our novice season last year so it was a slow build, and I felt the horse had improved every run and had improved again from Cheltenham and we were proved right. He won doing a half-speed and I think this horse has all the attributes to be a multiple Champion Chase winner going forward. Our target is to win three and equal Badsworth Boy who is the only horse in history to win three Champion Chases despite all of the storied horses over the years. He’s only eight and that’s his 12th run — he has no mileage on the clock, and he grows an extra leg in Cheltenham. He’s so laidback, goes through the gears and just does enough. He doesn’t burn any extra petrol than what he needs. He’s the most wonderful creature and everybody in the yard has had a huge part to play in this. Garrett (Cotter) rides him every day, Mandy looks after him — it’s just a great success for Kildare as there are not too many National Hunt horses trained in Kildare anymore. We only have 13 or 14 horses riding out and we are able to punch at the highest level if we get the ammunition. This is the horse of a lifetime and we are going to mind him and you’ll see him back in Cheltenham next year and he won’t be 10/1 like he was this morning!
Barry Connell
After race at Cheltenham Wed, 12th Mar, 2025 (1st)
It’s very poignant and it’s very raw, the whole thing with Michael over the last three or four weeks has been absolutely horrible and my thoughts and prayers are with the family, his friends and his girlfriend. I think this is hopefully a fitting tribute to him.
B Connell
It’s very poignant and it’s very raw, the whole thing with Michael over the last three or four weeks has been absolutely horrible and my thoughts and prayers are with the family, his friends and his girlfriend. I think this is hopefully a fitting tribute to him.
B Connell
After race at Leopardstown Wed, 27th Dec, 2023 (1st)
I didn’t enjoy watching it at all. Last year we were coming in under the radar and this year we are favourite for the Arkle and expected to win,. It’s a horse race and anything can go wrong, but the way he jumped today he’s vindicated what we have seen from his schooling – he’s an absolute natural. He’s only three-quarters fit today and Michael said he gave a little bit of a blow. He was a little gassy early on, but you couldn’t ask for any more than that. The ground is described as soft, but there is a bottom to it. He goes on every ground, but probably wouldn’t like heavy ground. He’s just class with a super engine.
Barry Connell
I didn’t enjoy watching it at all. Last year we were coming in under the radar and this year we are favourite for the Arkle and expected to win,. It’s a horse race and anything can go wrong, but the way he jumped today he’s vindicated what we have seen from his schooling – he’s an absolute natural. He’s only three-quarters fit today and Michael said he gave a little bit of a blow. He was a little gassy early on, but you couldn’t ask for any more than that. The ground is described as soft, but there is a bottom to it. He goes on every ground, but probably wouldn’t like heavy ground. He’s just class with a super engine.
Barry Connell
After race at Leopardstown Wed, 27th Dec, 2023 (1st)
I didn’t enjoy watching it at all. Last year we were coming in under the radar and this year we are favourite for the Arkle and expected to win. It’s a horse race and anything can go wrong but the way he jumped today he’s vindicated what we have seen from his schooling — he’s an absolute natural. He’s only three-quarters fit today, and Michael said he gave a little bit of a blow. He was a little gassy early on, but you couldn’t ask for any more than that. The ground is described as soft but there is a bottom to it. He goes on every ground but probably wouldn’t like heavy ground. He’s just class with a super engine and when you marry that with how efficient he jumps. He’ll come back here for the Irish Arkle, then the Arkle and hopefully on to Punchestown. The script writes itself this year. He’s the horse of a lifetime and I’m just blessed that he came into our yard. They are one in ten thousand these horses. He’s taken a bit longer this year to get fit than last year as he had a proper break for ten weeks but he’s a tall athletic horse and comes to hand quick enough. If you look at the list of Supreme Novice Hurdle winners, there are plenty that just didn’t train on and that was an added pressure. He had a little wind operation before he went out at the end of last season, and we put a tongue strap on him today. We just thought it might improve him a bit.
Barry Connell
I didn’t enjoy watching it at all. Last year we were coming in under the radar and this year we are favourite for the Arkle and expected to win. It’s a horse race and anything can go wrong but the way he jumped today he’s vindicated what we have seen from his schooling — he’s an absolute natural. He’s only three-quarters fit today, and Michael said he gave a little bit of a blow. He was a little gassy early on, but you couldn’t ask for any more than that. The ground is described as soft but there is a bottom to it. He goes on every ground but probably wouldn’t like heavy ground. He’s just class with a super engine and when you marry that with how efficient he jumps. He’ll come back here for the Irish Arkle, then the Arkle and hopefully on to Punchestown. The script writes itself this year. He’s the horse of a lifetime and I’m just blessed that he came into our yard. They are one in ten thousand these horses. He’s taken a bit longer this year to get fit than last year as he had a proper break for ten weeks but he’s a tall athletic horse and comes to hand quick enough. If you look at the list of Supreme Novice Hurdle winners, there are plenty that just didn’t train on and that was an added pressure. He had a little wind operation before he went out at the end of last season, and we put a tongue strap on him today. We just thought it might improve him a bit.
Barry Connell
After race at Cheltenham Tue, 14th Mar, 2023 (1st)
Barry being confident didn’t put pressure on me, but I suppose the punters took it into account and that brings a small bit of pressure but I can only do what I can do. Barry put his neck out and he was right. I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was a kid. It’s a bit surreal and it won’t sink in yet, this year has been so good it’s hard to appreciate it, I don’t think it can be topped but I’m just enjoying every minute of it. It’s the best feeling of all time. I put a lot of pressure on myself saying he was the best horse in the race, but I genuinely felt he’s the best horse I’ve ever had. I came over on the boat and I told every Irish person on there to back the two horses (Marine Nationale and Good Land (who runs on Wednesday). I said they were the best two novices in Ireland, so at least I’m off the hook partially after today! I’d have had to go back in disguise if we’d got beat. This horse is unlike any horse I’ve had before as the previous Grade One horses were mainly stayers. This is a quick horse who is probably a Group One horse on the Flat — and we might get around to that at some stage. Today was his day. He’s had five runs and won all five runs, his jockey is a superstar and my staff are the best staff anywhere in the world. We’re absolutely blessed to have found the next superstar of the weighing room in Michael O’Sullivan, you mark his name. Have you eve
B Connell
Barry being confident didn’t put pressure on me, but I suppose the punters took it into account and that brings a small bit of pressure but I can only do what I can do. Barry put his neck out and he was right. I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was a kid. It’s a bit surreal and it won’t sink in yet, this year has been so good it’s hard to appreciate it, I don’t think it can be topped but I’m just enjoying every minute of it. It’s the best feeling of all time. I put a lot of pressure on myself saying he was the best horse in the race, but I genuinely felt he’s the best horse I’ve ever had. I came over on the boat and I told every Irish person on there to back the two horses (Marine Nationale and Good Land (who runs on Wednesday). I said they were the best two novices in Ireland, so at least I’m off the hook partially after today! I’d have had to go back in disguise if we’d got beat. This horse is unlike any horse I’ve had before as the previous Grade One horses were mainly stayers. This is a quick horse who is probably a Group One horse on the Flat — and we might get around to that at some stage. Today was his day. He’s had five runs and won all five runs, his jockey is a superstar and my staff are the best staff anywhere in the world. We’re absolutely blessed to have found the next superstar of the weighing room in Michael O’Sullivan, you mark his name. Have you eve
B Connell
After race at Fairyhouse Sun, 4th Dec, 2022 (1st)
He travelled away, jumped and settled. He nearly threw it away at the last with a bunny hop, but he dug in. It was the first time he’s ever been off the bridle in his life, and he had to be tough. I didn’t know what he’d do off the bridle. Sometimes these bridle horses, they don’t find a whole lot, but you’d love the way he battled and toughed it out. I’m thrilled to have him. I thought the ground was gone for him today, to be honest. He had been running away on good ground, and this was the softest ground he had. We ride him for speed. He’s actually a flat-bred horse, so we were always going to sit in behind the fancied ones and have a go. There’s no point in setting up a target. He’ll improve again from that, and is a genuine Grade One horse now, so happy days.
Barry Connell
He travelled away, jumped and settled. He nearly threw it away at the last with a bunny hop, but he dug in. It was the first time he’s ever been off the bridle in his life, and he had to be tough. I didn’t know what he’d do off the bridle. Sometimes these bridle horses, they don’t find a whole lot, but you’d love the way he battled and toughed it out. I’m thrilled to have him. I thought the ground was gone for him today, to be honest. He had been running away on good ground, and this was the softest ground he had. We ride him for speed. He’s actually a flat-bred horse, so we were always going to sit in behind the fancied ones and have a go. There’s no point in setting up a target. He’ll improve again from that, and is a genuine Grade One horse now, so happy days.
Barry Connell
After race at Punchestown Wed, 12th Oct, 2022 (1st)
He jumped well and has schooled well at home. Sam Curling had him as a four-year-old and he was ready to run in point-to-points so he had loads of that done.
Barry Connell
He jumped well and has schooled well at home. Sam Curling had him as a four-year-old and he was ready to run in point-to-points so he had loads of that done.
Barry Connell
After race at Killarney Sat, 20th Aug, 2022 (1st)
He did what I expected and probably hasn't done any more than he did at Punchestown. They were proper winter horses in Punchestown and this was a summer bumper but it is nice to confirm it wasn't a flash in the pan. He has a grand relaxed temperament which is a big plus, we're thrilled and he looks a decent prospect. He was in Sam Curling's, has plenty jumping done and we bought him before he was to run in a four-yearold point-to-point.
Barry Connell
He did what I expected and probably hasn't done any more than he did at Punchestown. They were proper winter horses in Punchestown and this was a summer bumper but it is nice to confirm it wasn't a flash in the pan. He has a grand relaxed temperament which is a big plus, we're thrilled and he looks a decent prospect. He was in Sam Curling's, has plenty jumping done and we bought him before he was to run in a four-yearold point-to-point.
Barry Connell
After race at Punchestown Sat, 28th May, 2022 (1st)
He's a smart horse. He hasn't been away anywhere and we haven't had him on grass before,. He was working really well at home but I thought he might need the experience here today. He's a quick horse, he's by French Navy the sire of Layfayette. The options are open for him, either a winners bumper or a Flat maiden, maybe the race in Galway. That's a bonus to get that done today, I would have been happy to finish in the first three. It looked a strong enough race and the third was third in a festival bumper here. The rider was very happy with him and said he was straight-forward, you couldn't ask for more really.
Barry Connell
He's a smart horse. He hasn't been away anywhere and we haven't had him on grass before,. He was working really well at home but I thought he might need the experience here today. He's a quick horse, he's by French Navy the sire of Layfayette. The options are open for him, either a winners bumper or a Flat maiden, maybe the race in Galway. That's a bonus to get that done today, I would have been happy to finish in the first three. It looked a strong enough race and the third was third in a festival bumper here. The rider was very happy with him and said he was straight-forward, you couldn't ask for more really.
Barry Connell
Related by Dam Power Of Future (GER)
Runner
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