'Didn't I tell you he would do that!' - Barry Connell's unwavering faith in Marine Nationale proves entirely justified

When you talk the talk you've got to walk the walk and Marine Nationale must be hearing every word Barry Connell is saying about him. 

In a sport where the participants are often petrified to tell us what they really think, Barry Connell has never been afraid to step out of line and shout about the love of his life. 

"Didn't I tell you he would do that!" roared Connell into my ear after Marine Nationale followed up his runaway Champion Chase success at Cheltenham with a stylish seven-length victory in the Punchestown equivalent. You sure did, Barry. We certainly can't say we weren't told.