Connell readying novice pair for Cheltenham challenge

Marine Nationale and Good Land both leading contenders for Festival gold.

Barry Connell has seen his yellow and blue silks carried to Cheltenham Festival glory before but should either Marine Nationale or Good Land win in the Cotswolds next month it will be extra special.

Martello Tower was trained by Mags Mullins when winning the Albert Bartlett in 2015, while Pedrobob was prepared by Tony Mullins to win the County Hurdle in 2007.

Now, of course, Connell is training his horses himself – and making great waves whilst doing it.

He has had two runners in Grade One races this season and won them both. Marine Nationale overcame a mistake at the last to win the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, while Good Land oozed class in winning the Nathaniel Lacy at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Both horses are now leading contenders to strike Festival gold, with Marine Nationale in line for the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Good Land bound for the Ballymore.

“They are both good. We have one last piece of work to do with them before they go but we couldn’t be happier with them,” said Connell.

Good Land was impressive at Leopardstown
Good Land was impressive at Leopardstown (Donall Farmer/PA)

“They are both on course, unless something untoward happens. It’s three weeks from now and won’t be long coming in. We’re very happy with them. Once we get them on the ferry all the hard work is done.

“They have the ability to go over there and win, the two of them. They are both Grade One winners, we are not going over there winging it with something that has won a maiden hurdle. The two of them are entitled to be there on merit.

“It’s a pleasure to be travelling with two fantastic horses like that and I’m really looking forward to it.”

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