Trainer Barry Connell remains bullish about Marine Nationale's chances of defending his Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham despite a 19-length defeat to Majborough at the Dublin Racing Festival. The nine-year-old, who has won twice at Prestbury Park including an 18-length victory last year, is set to face his conqueror again in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase next month.

Connell attributes the Dublin defeat to extreme conditions, describing it as the heaviest ground he's seen in 25 years. "He never got into a rhythm in the early part of the race and was out of his comfort zone," Connell explained at his Boherbaun Stables press morning. The trainer believes official ratings favor his charge, with Majborough rated 174 and Marine Nationale at 169, giving his stable star 5lb to make up.

Despite the odds, Connell is convinced Cheltenham's conditions will suit his charge better than Leopardstown's heavy ground. "We know our horse loves Cheltenham," he stated, adding that Marine Nationale has shown consistent form at the festival. The gelding is currently 5-2 in the betting markets, while Majborough leads at 13-8, setting up what promises to be a compelling rematch in the Cotswolds.