Marine Nationale beaten as Quilixios bounces back to form in Barberstown Castle Chase

Barry Connell was satisfied with the return of Marine Nationale despite last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner being well beaten by Quilixios in the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas.

The odds-on favourite did not always impress with his jumping under Michael O'Sullivan when trying to chase down the all-the-way winner, and in the end the lack of a run since disappointing in February's Irish Arkle potentially told in the latter stages. 

However, being beaten by a Triumph Hurdle winner who seemed to be back to his best represented a respectable comeback from Marine Nationale on just his third run over fences.

Connell said: “The winner was very good. I was happy though with our lad, though. He didn't meet the first two right, but once he warmed to it I thought his jumping was good. He probably lacked a a bit of experience. Other than not winning the race I was very happy. The first two were well clear of the rest.

“We'll go to Leopardstown at Christmas and build for the Champion Chase after that. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't. We would like to have won but other than that he acquitted himself well.”

Paddy Power lengthened him to 16-1 (from 9) for the Bet MGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Quilixios put in a magnificent jumping and galloping performance to make most of the running under Darragh O'Keeffe. After the winner's season tailed off last spring, Henry de Bromhead was encouraged by the performance.

The trainer said: "He jumped brilliantly and it's great to get him back to form. We'll have to dip into the top two-mile races and see where we stand. The Tingle Creek, Hilly Way and Leopardstown at Christmas are all open to him.

“He loves jumping and Darragh said at the first one down the back he couldn't see anything so he just squeezed up and he winged it. I love that with those two-milers, it's always good to watch. We'll stick to that trip. We did step him up in trip last year, which looks so ridiculous now.”

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