Solness strikes again as Marine Nationale pays for early mishap

Solness repeated his victory of 12 months ago in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase when seeing off a gallant Marine Nationale in a thrilling race at Leopardstown.

Only half a length separated them at the line in the Grade One feature, but the Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale and Sean Flanagan had worked wonders mid-race to keep their partnership intact after a dreadful blunder.

It was to their credit they arrived almost upsides Solness (8-1), with Majborough just behind, at the final fence, but it was Joseph O’Brien’s Solness, with Sam Ewing replacing the stood down J J Slevin, who prevailed for the second year in a row.

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