Marine Nationale sails home on hurdling bow

Marine Nationale kept his unbeaten record intact with a cosy success in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

The dual bumper winner, sent off 4/9 favourite, tracked the leaders before moving up to dispute two out. He was shaken up by Michael O'Sullivan after the last and went away to beat Viceregent and Hisnameis Mrdevitt by four lengths and a neck.

Paddy Power left him unchanged at 25/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Winning owner/trainer Barry Connell said: “He jumped well and has schooled well at home. Sam Curling had him as a four-year-old and he was ready to run in point-to-points so he had loads of that done.

“He could probably do with another run and may go for a Grade 3 in Navan (For Auction Novice Hurdle on November 13) with a view, if he’s still on track, going for the Royal Bond after that.

“He’s having a good blow after that. He wasn’t as impressive as he was in his bumpers but did what he had to do today. It’s a good start.

“He was in his hands a bit early on. He’s a horse that would not want soft ground and usually Fairyhouse before Christmas and Leopardstown should be ideal.

“He’s a great horse to have and it’s early days. Who knows what is going to come out but we are happy to have that out of the way.”

Quotes from Alan Magee