The 2024 season has begun, and a lot of horses, both experienced and novice, have begun their campaigns. While some had a fantastic race, others were completely outclassed. Marine Nationale, trained by Barry Connell, was a notable horse at Leopardstown a few days earlier for the event because of his streak of six wins in a row leading up to it. But things didn’t work out, and the horse slipped to fifth place at the finish line, far behind the pack.

After all the hype, the news that Marine Nationale lost its 2024 season opener came as a shock to everyone. Barry Connell, the horse’s trainer, was equally taken aback by the results of the race. Connell, however, recently updated the horse racing world about the horse’s future.

Still looking forward to a lot of action

Connell became concerned about the horse shortly after the Leopardstown event. Marine Nationale’s trainer is familiar with him, and he has never disappointed in a race. After the heartbreaking performance, the trained decided to gain a better clinical picture of the horse by testing it. According to the X post of Road To Cheltenham, Barry Connell said, “Marine is fine after the run.” Also, the trainer brought up the fact that Leopardstown’s “ground“ was “the issue.”

Keeping his eyes out for the Arkle in March, Connell further added, saying, “We’ll just put a line through the run and look forward to nice spring ground at Cheltenham.” During the December race at Leopardstown, the horse unquestionably won. On the other hand, weather may have a profound effect on both the track conditions and the race itself. According to Connell’s analysis, his horse has an unbeatable track record on this particular course, which he has previously conquered.

Stint of Marine Nationale in the 2023 season

Marine Nationale was quite optimistic about his 2023 season. He became an instant favorite among horse racing aficionados after dominating the 2022 season with four consecutive victories. The Cheltenham Festival was the 2023 opener for the horse. Connell had intended to enter him in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), and the horse delivered as expected, winning the event with ease.

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The horse’s G1 run at Cheltenham cemented its place in racing history. Yet, instead of participating in any more races, the horse had a 288-day hiatus before returning to Leopardstown Racecourse for the Paddy Power From The Horses Mouth Podcast Beginners Chase. After gliding effortlessly over all eleven hurdles, Marine Nationale won the race, capping off a brilliant 2023 season.

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