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Defending Champion Marine Nationale Misses Cheltenham Festival After Injury
Marine Nationale's neck soreness prevents recovery in time for Cheltenham Festival, ending hopes to defend his 18-length BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase title, connections said.
- Next week, Marine Nationale has been withdrawn from the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after a setback.
- Owner and trainer Barry Connell told the Press Association, `When we went to see him this morning he was very sore through his neck. I'm not sure, but he may have got cast .``, and the issue likely began a couple of weeks ago.
- Vets treated Marine Nationale and placed him on pain relief medication as he was 'feeling very sorry for himself'; the nine-year-old won the 18-length Champion Chase last year and finished second twice at Leopardstown.
- Those hopes have been dashed, with connections conceding the title defence is over as those aspirations have now been extinguished, removing his chance to return to peak form at Prestbury Park.
- Connections say they hope he'll be back for Punchestown, noting the issue occurred weeks ago and they’re out of time for Cheltenham, but do not believe it’s serious.
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Irish MirrorReposted by 
Irish Times
Irish TimesDefending champion Marine Nationale ruled out of Champion Chase at Cheltenham Festival
The nine-year-old claimed the two-mile crown with a brilliant 18-length victory 12 months ago, his second Cheltenham Festival success having previously claimed the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2023
·Ireland
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
14%
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