Il Etait Temps once again proved his top‑class ability by adding a second prestigious win to his résumé, capturing the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown after already securing the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. This eighth Grade One triumph at the highest level highlighted the gelding's consistency and stamina across the spring festival circuit. Marine Nationale, who had achieved the same double a year earlier, was drawn into the contest alongside Majborough.
Jockey Paul Townend elected to give the Willie Mullins‑trained Il Etait Temps a clear run in the middle of the five‑horse field, allowing the horse to settle after an early mistake. Riding the 8‑11 favourite, Townend let the horse find his rhythm before urging him forward as they entered the final three furlongs. Il Etait Temps responded by pulling ahead, leaving Marine Nationale—who has endured a disrupted campaign—in his wake and winning by five lengths. Veteran Energumene, who was pulled up shortly after crossing the line, completed a respectable third before being retired on the spot.
Mullins praised his winner, saying, "He may not look like a typical big chaser, but his strength and determination are extraordinary. After the mistake he made, I was impressed by how quickly he recovered and re‑joined the pace beside Marine Nationale at the third‑last. Marine is a solid horse with a good engine, so to beat him after a fall at Ascot's Clarence House Chase in January and then triumph at Cheltenham was truly special.
Paul rode in top‑flight mode and got the best out of him." He added that Majborough might benefit from a longer trip, suggesting a slower pace over a greater distance could suit the horse better. When asked about the retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumene, who has also completed the Punchestown‑Cheltenham double twice, Mullins reflected, "He retires sound and healthy after a brilliant race.
He gave us a wonderful day at Fairyhouse at Easter, reminding us of his youthful vigor. The ground today was a bit too firm for him, but he still put up a valiant effort.
Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham will always be a cherished memory; his speed and jumping ability set him apart." Trainer Barry Connell spoke about Marine Nationale, noting, "I'm pleased with the run, although the horse hasn't shown his usual bounce this year. He jumps beautifully with his cheekpieces and was technically perfect, but he seemed a little flat on the finish. Normally he accelerates strongly after the second‑last, but today he looked a touch tired. All credit goes to the winner, who pulled clear comfortably." Connell continued, "I don't think his hold‑up affected his performance, and while Eachtotheirown (the Grade One Champion Novice Hurdle winner earlier) worked excellently, Marine Nationale had a solid piece of work at Fairyhouse a few weeks ago and his recent training has been adequate.
He may be a little flat today, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the winner. This race sets us up nicely for next season, and we hope a bit of luck will follow him." In the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, Western Fold gave Gordon Elliott a boost in his trainers' championship bid by prevailing in a dramatic finish. Brown Advisory’s Kitzbuhel led early in the Grade One contest but faded as the race progressed, allowing July Flower to take the lead heading into the final fence. Western Fold, however, produced a stronger finish under Jack Kennedy, securing the €73,625 prize by three and three‑quarter lengths ahead of Fleur In The Park, ridden by Andrew Slattery.
Elliott commented, "I'm thrilled with the result, especially after being nervous about the three‑mile distance. The last two times we tried him over that trip he was ridden too gently. Today we rode him cold and he responded brilliantly.
Some horses are winding down around now, but Western Fold has been busy and is among the top five earners this season. We had considered the American Grand National—where Zanahiyr won for us last year—but Western Fold hasn't yet succeeded in open company in Ireland.
The American race is a Grade One, so it's a serious target, though the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October is also a possibility. The key for him is the ground; he truly shines on softer surfaces." He added, "He’ll get a short break now. I’d love to aim for the Galway Plate, but his weight after today might be too high." On the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, Eachtotheirown dominated the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. Sean Flanagan sent the seven‑year‑old straight to the front, and the 16‑1 outsider never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths from Blake.
Favourite El Cairos challenged two fences out but could not sustain the pace, eventually finishing fourth behind Gordon Elliott’s El Cairos. Connell explained his tactics, saying, "Eachtotheirown was a bit rank the previous day, so we left him out front today and he took a free run. He's a good horse with only a handful of hurdle runs, but he’s built like a chaser and has a solid engine." Paddy Power offered Eachtotheirown 40‑1 odds for the Arkle Chase, and Connell confirmed the race is a primary target for next season. "He’s a true two‑miler who dislikes being restrained.
After a slow‑burning Supreme Novices' Hurdle, we’ll give him a beginners' chase early next season before tackling Leopardstown twice and then heading to Cheltenham." In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere surged ahead on the run‑in to claim victory. I'm Slippy was briefly in front at the last flight but Kalix Delabarriere, a 10‑1 Willie Mullins runner, pulled away to finish four lengths clear. Mullins praised the effort, stating, "It’s fantastic for Sean Cleary‑Farrell and the owners to win a big handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse and then repeat at Punchestown.
We may need to step him up in class, but we’ll likely keep him in hurdles for now and aim for chasing next season. He disappointed me two years ago when I thought he’d be a good bumper, but after 18 months of development he’s become a lovely, big type with a strong finishing kick." Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen delivered an impressive performance in the Goffs Defender Bumper, winning by five and a half lengths over Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY and taking home €59,000. Brassil reflected, "It was wonderful to see him today; everything clicked. He’s a big, leggy horse and showed the potential we hoped for.
He’ll get a break now to mature before taking on the rigors of jumping. He’s an exciting prospect with a beautiful pedigree." Brassil also provided an update on stable star Fastorslow, noting, "He’s still on the easy list, but we hope to see him return in the autumn or winter. He’ll likely resume training around July or August as usual."