Marine Nationale ruled out of Champion Chase at Cheltenham
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 3 Mar 2026
Marine Nationalewill not defend his crown in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next week after suffering a setback.
The nine-year-old claimed the two-mile crown with a brilliant 18-length victory 12 months ago, his second Festival success having previously claimed the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023.
While he had been beaten into second place on his two previous outings at Leopardstown this season, his connections were confident he would show his true colours on his return to Prestbury Park next week, but he has now been ruled out.
Marine Nationale’s owner and trainer Barry Connell told the PA: “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).
“We got the vet in and the vet put him on pain (relief) medication and he’s just feeling very sorry for himself.
“If it happened a couple of weeks ago we might have been all right, but we’re just out of time.
“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.”
ONE PLACE. EVERY RACE. Racing TV is the only channel showing every race live from the Cheltenham Festival. Live daily uninterrupted coverage from 9.45am. Click here for more details.
CHELTENHAM RUNNER-BY-RUNNER GUIDES:
Related posts
Matt Tombs: ten vital trends not to ignore at Cheltenham
JJ Slevin: the inside track on my Cheltenham Festival rides
Timeform: the best-handicapped horses at the Cheltenham Festival
Ross Millar: three to avoid at the Cheltenham Festival
Watch: Paddy Power's Ultimate Cheltenham Festival preview!
Todays top offer
Get £30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £50 in free bets with Paddy Power
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved