'He doesn't need a run' - Marine Nationale set to go straight to festival

Royal Bond Novice Hurdle winner Marine Nationale is unlikely to be seen again before the Cheltenham Festival, according to his owner-trainer Barry Connell.

The five-year-old is now a best-priced 10-1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle after seeing off talented rivals such as Champ Kiely, Irish Point and Ashroe Diamond last Sunday to notch a first Grade 1 win.

Connell was taken by the performance of his unbeaten novice at Fairyhouse and believes he doesn’t need to gain more experience before March.

“It’s likely he won’t be seen again until then,” he said. “He’s been on the go since March. We’ve had him in training since February and he hasn’t really had a summer break.

"He has significant experience and doesn’t need a run. He’s run well fresh for us and has had decent gaps between his four races.”

Cheltenham has been a happy hunting ground for the 60-year-old as both a jockey and owner, and has really enjoyed the journey with the son of French Navy.

He said: “It’s a small boutique operation and we’ve been at it only a couple of years. To have him come into the yard at this early stage is exceptional.

Barry Connell is likely to send his stable star Marine Nationale straight to Cheltenham.Credit: Patrick McCann

“It’s very rare and he’s given us great satisfaction. It’s testament to everyone involved with us. It’s all different parts of a jigsaw, from planning the campaign to bringing our horses to the track in tip-top shape. What you see on raceday is just the end product.”

Connell has no plans to expand his Kildare base despite a good start to his training career.

“I don’t think so," he said. "We bought the farm four or five years ago and have capacity in the mid-40s. We’ve had to create the facilities, hire staff, source horses ourselves and I think we’re at a nice number.

"I have a full licence but I wouldn’t entirely consider it open to the public. I would like to train for someone else only in the case of family and friends."

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