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Marine Nationale Ruled Out of Cheltenham Champion Chase With Sore Neck

Majborough becomes odds-on favourite after pain relief for the injury activated withdrawal-time rules.

Overview

  • Trainer Barry Connell said vets treated the nine-year-old for neck soreness, leaving insufficient time to meet medication withdrawal requirements.
  • The reigning champion had been a 2-1 chance but will miss next week’s race, with connections hopeful of a Punchestown return.
  • Bookmakers moved Majborough to the head of the market, as short as 4-6 with Coral, with L’Eau Du Sud and Il Etait Temps next in betting.
  • Marine Nationale had finished second on both starts this season, including a wide-margin defeat by Majborough in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown.
  • Festival buildup also saw setbacks off and on the track, with Fergal O’Brien reporting In d’Or likely to miss Cheltenham and BHA chair Lord Allen resigning.