Marine Nationale wins Punchestown's Champion Chase
Fresh from a wide-margin success in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at last month's Festival, Barry Connell's stable star was the 2-1 second-favourite to come out on top in a fascinating clash with the brilliant Ryanair Chase winner Fact To File (11-10).
Drama in the William Hill Champion Chase as Marine Nationale secures an impressive victory at Punchestown.
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— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 29, 2025
While the latter looked to be struggling to keep up with the strong pace being set by Solness from an early stage back over an extended two miles, Marine Nationale travelled strongly throughout under Sean Flanagan, although the race did look in the balance until El Fabiolo suffered his third fall in his last four starts two fences from home.
Barry Connell never doubted that Marine Nationale could land the big one at Punchestown and he was proved right. #rteracing
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— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 29, 2025
Marine Nationale was in full command from that point and quickened up smartly from the final obstacle to pull seven lengths clear of Captain Guinness, with Solness third and Fact To File a bitterly disappointing last of four finishers.
Sean Flanagan speaks to RTE Sport following his fine victory with Marine Nationale at Punchestown. #rteracing
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— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 29, 2025
Watch the Punchestown Festival from Tuesday to Saturday with RTÉ Sport. Coverage begins at 3.30pm for first three days and on Friday at 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Watch on Saturday from 3pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
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