Connell has high hopes for Marine Nationale Just four lined up for the Jim Ryan Race Services (Pro/Am) Flat Race and it was won in a canter by 4/6 favourite Marine Nationale. A debut winner at Punchestown in May, the French Navy gelding was never far off the pace, led under three furlongs out and came clear at his ease to beat My Gaffer by eleven lengths. Winning owner/trainer Barry Connell said: "He did what I expected and probably hasn't done any more than he did at Punchestown. They were proper winter horses in Punchestown and this was a summer bumper but it is nice to confirm it wasn't a flash in the pan. "He has a grand relaxed temperament which is a big plus, we're thrilled and he looks a decent prospect. He was in Sam Curling's, has plenty jumping done and we bought him before he was to run in a four-yearold point-to-point." He added: "We'll look for a maiden hurdle and I have the Royal Bond Hurdle at the back of my mind, if we can get a maiden hurdle and maybe a Grade 3 beforehand. It is usually only the summer horses that are there. "He'll go on soft ground but I'd say he isn't a winter ground horse. If everything went to plan he could go to the Dublin Racing Festival and if the dream was still alive, to Cheltenham. You have to think that until something beats him" Quotes from Tom Weekes
