Marine Nationale is set to return to the track at the Punchestown Festival at the end of April, according to his trainer Barry Connell – where he’s set to take on Cheltenham hero Il Etait Temps.
Marine Nationale and Il Etait Temps To Clash at Punchestown Festival
The Barry Connell-trained MARINE NATIONALE had to miss the 2026 Cheltenham Festival due to a setback, but with connections reporting him ‘fine now’ – racing fans can look forward to seeing him at the Punchestown Festival.
Due to not running at Cheltenham, the 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner had to give up his title – with the race going to the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps.
Who is the horse Marine Nationale’s trainer Barry Connell has often compared his star chaser too.
Having referenced his horse’s 9-length beating of Il Etait Temps in the 2024 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
However, after an away-day at Fairyhouse recently, Marine Nationale is back on track to return – with a possible clash with El Etait Temps, with more bragging rights at stake.
The pair are expected to face-off in the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival on Tuesday 28th April – a race Marine Nationale also won 12 months ago (watch below).
Barry Connell told the Press Association
“It was just unfortunate timing with him before Cheltenham, he’s fine now. He had an away-day at Fairyhouse after the Festival and did a nice piece of work, so he’s on track.
“If you were take a positive out of missing Cheltenham I suppose it’s that he goes to Punchestown fresh. He runs well fresh and has won after big breaks before, so it’s not going to be an issue.”
The biggest threat to Marine Nationale appears to be the Willie Mullins-trained Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Il Etait Temps and Connell is relishing the clash.
He went onto say: “I think we beat him (Il Etait Temps) by nine lengths in the Supreme (Novices’ Hurdle, 2024) and jumping-wise I wouldn’t say he’s a better jumper than us. I know he beat us in Leopardstown as a novice chaser, but we weren’t right on the day.
“We’re happy with our horse, he has won a Champion Chase this year and we won one last year, so it’ll be a good match-up.
WATCH: Marine Nationale Winning The 2025 Champion Chase at Punchestown
Punchestown Festival Champion Chase Betting Odds 2026
In what looks a tight betting heat, the 2026 Champion Chase odds see Il Etait Temps the slight favourite at 7/4.
With Marine Nationale next best at 9/4 and Majborough 11/4.
The 2025 runner-up Captain Guinness is 66/1, while the two-time winner Energumene, who returned to winning form recently, is 14/1.
- Il Etait Temps 7/4
- Marine Nationale 9/4
- Majborough 11/4
- Solness 10/1
- Energumene 14/1
- Gidleigh Park 33/1
- Blood Destiny 50/1
- Captain Guinness 66/1
Note: Odds listed are subject to change.
When Is The 2026 Punchestown Festival?🗓️
The five-day Punchestown Festival 2026 will run from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May.
