Marine Nationale the standout Christmas star for Connell
Trainer Barry Connell Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
The return of Marine Nationale to the track will be the highlight for Kildare trainer Barry Connell as he sends his stable star and plenty of others to the Leopardstown Christmas Festival next week.
Four days of racing kick off on Boxing Day at Leopardstown and rolls all the way through to December 29, with Mullins holding plenty of strong hands across the three days at the current entry stage, which will likely come down over the next few days before declarations, Read below for a rundown of Connell’s entries and possible runners across the Festival courtesy of BoyleSports, who will be offering the best Leopardstown Christmas Festival odds throughout the four days.
12.35 - William Munny
1.10 - Marine Nationale
2.20 - Enniskerry
3.00 - Hgranca De Thaix
3.05 - Salvador Ziggy
3.05 - Slane Hill
The first day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival looks to be a big one for trainer Connell with Marine Nationale potentially returning to action in the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Chase alongside powerhouses Gaelic Warrior and Found A Fifty. Connell’s stable star and Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year was beaten last time out as an 8/11 favourite on seasonal return in the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas by Quilixios. William Munny was a very good third in a Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown back in May and is one very much of interest as he is sent over hurdles for the first time next week.
