Marine Nationale Ruled Out of Champion Chase Defence at Cheltenham Festival

Last year’s Champion Chase hero, Marine Nationale, will not defend his crown at the Cheltenham Festival next week after trainer and owner Barry Connell discovered the nine-year-old was “particularly sore through his neck” on Tuesday morning. The news significantly alters the landscape of the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, with Majborough now emerging as the clear favourite.

Injury Forces Withdrawal

“He was very sore through his neck this morning,” Connell stated. “We had the vets in this morning and they put him on pain relief medication and we’re just going to be out of time with withdrawal times.” Racing Post reported the setback.

The withdrawal is a blow to connections, especially considering Marine Nationale’s successful run at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals last year. This season, however, he finished second in both his starts – to Solness at Leopardstown at Christmas and to Majborough at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Majborough Now Odds-On Favourite

Prior to the announcement, Marine Nationale was a 2-1 shot to reverse his recent form at Cheltenham and secure a third festival win. With his absence, Majborough is now the general 8-11 favourite to land the title.

The Dan Skelton-trained L’Eau Du Sud is next in the betting at 7-2, while Tingle Creek winner Il Etait Temps, also trained by Willie Mullins, is a 4-1 shot.

Hopes for Punchestown

Connell is hoping to have his stable star back in time to defend his Punchestown crown. “We think he might have been cast,” he said. “It’s just one week out of the 52 of the year he’s not sound – it’s horrendous luck. Hopefully we have him back for Punchestown.”

Impact on the Champion Chase

According to a Horse & Hound analysis, Marine Nationale had previously won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, beating Facile Vega and then thrashed two-mile chasing superstar Jonbon by 18 lengths last year.

The withdrawal of Marine Nationale leaves Majborough with a more straightforward path to victory, though the analyst notes that past favourites have faltered despite the absence of strong competition. The likes of L’Eau Du Sud, Il Etait Temps and Quilixios will all be hoping to capitalize on the defending champion’s absence.