Connell looking forward to Majborough rematch with Marine Nationale

February 4, 2026

Barry Connell is looking forward to Marine Nationale’s rematch with Majborough at the Cheltenham Festival.

Despite being sent off a warm 5/4 favourite for the Dublin Chase, Marine Nationale never looked overly comfortable on the very soft ground and could only manage a distant second as Majborough romped home by 19 lengths.

The winner had no problem reversing the form from the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Christmas when Marine Nationale finished nearly three lengths ahead of Majborough despite making a near disastrous error at the second fence.

Conditions ultimately tipped the scales in favour of the JP McManus six-year-old who also benefitted from the addition of first-time cheekpieces and a proactive, aggressive ride in the saddle from Mark Walsh.

With Cheltenham just over a month away, Majborough is now the 13/8 favourite for the Champion Chase and Marine Nationale is as big as 5/2 to successfully defend his crown.

Connell told the Press Association his son of French Navy will present a different challenge back at the Festival, bidding to extend his perfect record that includes a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle victory in 2023.

“We know what happens in March with our guy when we get a bit of nice ground – he’s been there twice and won twice. It will be a different ball game, a different kettle of fish and we’re looking forward to it.

“Cheltenham is a different jumping test as you’re jumping on the bend, you’re undulating and fences are coming up to you from all kinds of angles. We know we handle it, we’ll be going there with all guns blazing and I hope you’ll see a different result.”

IN A ROMP 💪

Majborough is in a league of his own as he runs away with the @Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.

He’s going to take some stopping in the Champion Chase if he jumps like that.#DRF | @LeopardstownRC 🟩🟨⬜️ pic.twitter.com/hCGMnWkCD5

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

Can Marine Nationale turn the tables with Majborough at Cheltenham?

Marine Nationale is known to enjoy the unique challenges Prestbury Park presents but it suits Majborough just as well, winner of the Triumph Hurdle in 2024 and he’d have landed the Arkle in a walk if not for two untimely errors last year.

The quicker spring ground will be in Marine Nationale’s favour and Majborough looked much more at home on a bog at the Dublin Racing Festival.

If the cheekpieces have the same desired effect and Majborough’s jumping continues on an upward curve it’ll be a much closer fight this time around.

The youngster, fulfilling his sky-high potential in his first season in open company, is the highest-rated chaser in training at 179 according to Timeform – 5lbs clear of Fact To File in second.

That mark of 179, if repeated in the Champion Chase would have won him every renewal since Altior in 2018 and it was the best recorded timefigure in the history of the DRF.

Sean Flanagan seemed happy to give Marine Nationale an easy time of things when it was clear the winner wasn’t for catching and while he still plugged on well for second, his preparation was arguably somewhat smoother.