Social racegoers basked in the glorious sunshine and soaked up the electric atmosphere

Marine Nationale was paraded around his local GAA club by Barry Connell

Punchestown is up next for Cheltenham Festival hero Marine Nationale, with Barry Connell believing his stable star has the potential to become a three-time winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

It was an emotional and poignant day on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival as fate conspired to pay tribute to jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who sadly died last month after a fall during a race in Thurles.

Marine Nationale had to settle for second place behind Quilixios at Naas Racecourse but trainer Barry Connell was happy with the performance

Marine Nationale is the star attraction as jumps racing returns to Naas on Sunday but after a nine month absence, can the Barry Connell trained Cheltenham be back somewhere near his best?

There will be much intrigue surrounding  Barry Connell's 2023 Cheltenham winner when he takes to the track at Naas on Sunday for a hotly contested Grade 3 race