Marine Nationale Out of Queen Mother Champion Chase

The highly anticipated defense of Marine Nationale’s crown in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has been dashed due to a setback, as the nine-year-aged is now ruled out of the race. The news significantly alters the landscape of the Grade 1 steeplechase, scheduled for next week.

Last Year’s Triumph and Recent Form

Marine Nationale delivered a stunning performance in the 2024 Queen Mother Champion Chase, securing an impressive 18-length victory for owner and trainer Barry Connell. This win followed a previous success in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023, establishing the horse as a formidable contender at the Cheltenham Festival. However, recent outings at Leopardstown saw Marine Nationale finish second, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming race.

Injury Details and Withdrawal

According to Connell, Marine Nationale is suffering from soreness in his neck. “When we went to see him this morning he was very sore through his neck. I’m not sure, but he may have got cast (in his box),” Connell explained. Veterinary intervention and pain relief medication have been administered, but time is insufficient for a full recovery before the Festival. Connell added, “He’s been the soundest horse we’ve ever trained – he’s never sick and he’s never lame – but it is what it is. We don’t think it’s anything too serious and we’ll hopefully have him back for Punchestown.”

Impact on the Race and New Favorites

With Marine Nationale sidelined, Majborough has emerged as the clear favorite. Majborough previously defeated Marine Nationale by 19 lengths in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown. Coral’s David Stevens noted, “Majborough had been favourite for the Champion Chase since he beat Marine Nationale at Leopardstown last month, and following the news that the latter won’t be lining up at Cheltenham next week, JP McManus’s runner has joined his stablemate, Fact To File, as the shortest priced contender for a race at this year’s Festival.”

Current Odds

As of today, Coral’s odds for the Queen Mother Champion Chase are:

• Majborough: 4-6
• L’Eau Du Sud: 7-2
• Il Etait Temps: 5
• Quilixios: 7
• Jonbon: 12
• Thistle Ask: 16
• Bar: 33

Other Contenders

Il Etait Temps, despite a fall in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase, remains a contender. L’Eau du Sud is also considered a strong prospect for Dan Skelton. The situation also raises questions about the connections’ plans for Jonbon, who is entered in both the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase.