Marine Nationale on course for Fortria return despite softening ground

However,  William Munny will miss his intended clash with State Man in the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle due to a minor injury

FESTIVAL FEVER: Seán Flanagan celebrates ater riding Marine Nationale to victory in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Picture: Tom Maher/Inpho

Barry Connell is well aware that conditions will not be perfect for Marine Nationale if he makes his seasonal reappearance in the Bar One Racing Fortria Chase at Navan on Saturday, but he is keen to get his champion started.

The eight-year-old landed his second win at the Cheltenham Festival when strolling away with the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March and followed that up with an easy victory at Punchestown.