Owner-trainer Barry Connell welcomed members of the racing media to his County Kildare base on Monday, offering a measured but quietly confident assessment of his team as preparations gather pace for the Cheltenham Festival 2026. With proven Festival performers in his care and emerging talent waiting in the wings, the visit provided a revealing snapshot of a yard firmly focused on the spring championship.
Connell’s standard-bearer remains Marine Nationale, a nine-year-old whose association with the Cheltenham Festival 2026 carries both consistency and distinction. Unbeaten in two appearances at the meeting, the gelding has already secured his place among recent Festival standouts, showing an affinity for the track that continues to shape Connell’s planning.
The trainer spoke warmly about the horse’s physical make-up and temperament, qualities he believes have underpinned his success at the highest level. Tall, athletic and straightforward to prepare, Marine Nationale has long impressed at home for his professionalism as much as his ability.
“He’s very sound and very easy to deal with,” Connell explained. “He goes about his work without any fuss, and his temperament is a huge asset. That really comes to the fore when you bring a horse to a place like Cheltenham.”
Cheltenham Festival 2026 and a Proven Performer
Few horses handle the unique atmosphere of Cheltenham with ease, but Connell believes Marine Nationale’s calm nature has been decisive. The gelding has yet to be placed under real pressure at the track, travelling comfortably through both Festival victories and appearing entirely at home amid the noise and occasion.
Connells’s reflections also placed recent seasons into context. An interrupted campaign earlier in the horse’s career meant that last year was as much about experience as results, with the Festival run marking a clear return to his best. Recent outings this winter, both solid without everything falling into place, have done little to dent confidence.
Heavy ground and disrupted rhythm were contributing factors in those efforts, Connell noted, but the horse’s willingness to finish his races strongly remained encouraging. With spring conditions expected to suit far better, the trainer is confident a peak performance can be timed for March.
“He’s in the prime of his life now,” Connell said. “Everything about him tells us he’s coming there in great shape, and his record at Cheltenham speaks for itself.”
A Quiet Morning and Signs of Wellbeing
The Kildare visit also allowed observers to see Marine Nationale back on the gallops, his first serious work since his most recent run. Connell reported no concerns, noting that the gelding returned home in good order and has trained smoothly since.
Those close to the yard are taking reassurance from the horse’s routine and appetite, small but significant indicators at this stage of the season. With no setbacks reported, the path toward the Cheltenham Festival 2026 remains firmly on course.
Remembering Michael O’Sullivan
The morning also carried moments of reflection, with Connell paying tribute to the late Michael O’Sullivan, who partnered Marine Nationale to Festival success earlier in his career. O’Sullivan’s rapid rise and natural talent left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.
Connell recalled the early days, when O’Sullivan combined academic commitments with riding opportunities, quickly demonstrating an instinctive understanding of the game. Their partnership yielded important victories and unforgettable moments, particularly at Cheltenham, where O’Sullivan’s composure mirrored that of the horse beneath him.
“It was an incredible tragedy,” Connell said quietly. “But the way the racing community came together showed the very best of the sport.”
Looking Beyond the Flagship
While Marine Nationale remains the headline act, Connell also outlined plans for Eachtotheirown, who is set to take his chance in the Festival’s opening contest. Lightly raced and still improving, the gelding has progressed steadily since the autumn, responding well to a more prominent racing style.
Connells believes a strongly run championship race could unlock further improvement, particularly given the horse’s fluent jumping and ability to travel. Though still relatively inexperienced at this level, he is viewed as a runner capable of outrunning expectations.
“It’s a deep race, no doubt,” Connell said. “But I think he’ll be competitive, and Cheltenham tends to bring out the best in the right type of horse.”
As the countdown continues, the Kildare stable appears calm, organised and quietly optimistic. For Connell, the focus is on timing, temperament and trust in horses that have already proven themselves on racing’s most demanding stage.
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