'Horse of a lifetime' Marine Nationale scores with a swagger in Champion Chase
"I felt the horse had improved with every run and had improved again from Cheltenham - and we were proved right," said winning trainer Barry Connell about Marine Nationale. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
The specialist nature of two-mile chasing was reiterated on Tuesday evening when the last two winners of the Champion Chase at Cheltenham filled the first two places in the Grade One William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown.
In truth, it was a masterful performance from the reigning champ, the Barry Connell-trained and Sean Flanagan-ridden Marine Nationale, as he was able to travel behind the blistering early speed and then quicken up to challenge before putting the race to bed.
