29-04-2025
‘Bring it on' – Barry Connell sends bullish warning to Willie Mullins ahead of stars racing at Punchestown Festival
BULLISH Barry Connell says the Facts will speak for themselves in the William Hill Champion Chase.
Connell's Marine Nationale (6.00)
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Willie Mullins just won the UK trainer's title for the second successive year
Credit: PA
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Yet Connell is in confident mood ahead of day one of the Kildare meet
Credit: X @itvracing
The bookies have Willie Mullins' star the 5-4 favourite for the €300,000 Grade 1 contest, but the Kildare-based trainer and former stockbroker reckons the bookies have got the market wrong.
Connell said: 'He's actually improved from Cheltenham, both physically and mentally.
'I couldn't be any happier. All I can say is that we're ready for it.
'We're the champion chaser and if Fact To File and Willie want to take us on, bring it on.
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"I'd imagine it will be one of the races of the week.'
Mullins has a brilliant record in the Grade 1 feature winning six out of the last seven renewals, but Connell is not worried and thinks Marine Nationale has improved from his Cheltenham victory.
He added: 'We've been playing catch-up all year with Marine Nationale.
'He missed most of his novice season so that's why you're seeing such a rate of improvement from race to race this season and that's why I think he can improve again from Cheltenham to Punchestown.
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'He basically had no race at Cheltenham. He dawdled around and then took off from the back of the last.
'He didn't even take a blow after it.
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"Mentally and physically he has been in super shape since the Champion Chase. I couldn't be any happier.'
Today, April 29, is day one of the annual five-day meet at the Kildare track.
Tuesday's race card is as follows:
14:30:
Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Chase
15:05:
Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final
15:40:
Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
16:15:
KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
16:50:
Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)
17:25:
Goffs Defender Bumper
18:00:
William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)
18:35:
Willie Coonan Memorial Flat Race
