Il Etait Temps once again proved why he belongs at the very top of National Hunt racing, adding a second Grade One triumph to his impressive résumé by winning the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival. This victory marked his eighth win at the highest level and completed a coveted Punchestown‑Cheltenham double, echoing the feat achieved by Marine Nationale a year earlier. The race unfolded with Marine Nationale, the 2022 double winner, taking the early lead alongside Majborough. Paul Townend, aboard the Willie Mullins‑trained Il Etait Temps, elected to settle his mount in the middle of the five‑horse field, allowing the horse to settle after a minor mistake early on.
As the field turned into the home straight, Townend urged Il Etait Temps forward, and the 8‑11 favourite began to make his move. Approaching the final three fences, Il Etait Temps found a clear rhythm, leapt two fences ahead of his rivals and then accelerated away, pulling clear of Marine Nationale, whose campaign had been hampered by interruptions.
Il Etait Temps won by five lengths, while the veteran Energumene, who had already announced his retirement, held on for a respectable third place before being retired on the spot. Willie Mullins praised his champion, saying, "He may not look like a typical big chaser – he’s not a massive horse – but his strength and stamina are extraordinary.
After the mistake he made, I was amazed at how quickly he recovered and surged past Marine Nationale at the third‑last. Marine is a solid horse with a good engine, so to beat him after a fall at Ascot in the Clarence House Chase earlier this year is a testament to Il Etait Temps' resilience and to Paul Townend's top‑flight riding." Mullins also commented on Majborough, suggesting the horse might benefit from a longer distance, perhaps a slower pace over a greater trip to allow him to settle into his rhythm.
Regarding the retiring 12‑year‑old Energumene, Mullins reflected, "He retires sound and healthy after another brilliant performance. He gave us a fantastic day at Fairyhouse at Easter, showing he could still roll back the years.
The ground was a little too firm for him today, but he still fought hard. Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham will always be a treasured memory – his speed and jumping ability made him special." Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, was pleased with his runner despite a flat‑looking finish. He noted, "He jumps beautifully with his cheekpieces on and was foot‑perfect, but he seemed a little flat today.
Usually his speed shines at the back of the second‑last, yet today he appeared to run out of steam. All credit to the winner – they pulled well clear. I don’t think his hold‑up affected him; his work at Fairyhouse a few weeks ago was excellent, but recent sessions have been only okay. He’s still a worthy winner on the day and this sets us up for a promising campaign next season, hopefully with a bit of luck on his side." The Punchestown Festival also featured a thrilling run in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, where Western Fold gave Gordon Elliott’s bid for the trainers’ championship a significant boost.
After a brisk start from Brown Advisory’s Kitzbuhel, who faded near the finish, Western Fold, ridden by Jack Kennedy, surged ahead. Despite early challenges from Fleur In The Park and Nowwhatdoyouthink, Western Fold proved the stronger of the quartet, pulling away to win by three and three‑quarter lengths and collecting the €73,625 prize. Elliott expressed his satisfaction, saying, "I was a little nervous about the three‑mile distance, but we rode Western Fold conservatively today and it paid off.
He’s been one of the top five earners this season and has raced a lot more than most. We considered the American Grand National – a Grade One that Zanahiyr won for us last year – but the ground is his favourite, and he’s a stone’s throw better on softer going.
He’ll get a short break now; I’d love to aim for the Galway Plate, but the weight might be too high after today’s effort." On the opening day of the festival, Eachtotheirown secured a decisive victory in the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. Jockey Sean Flanagan sent the seven‑year‑old to the front early, and the 16‑1 outsider never looked back, finishing four and a quarter lengths clear of Blake. Barry Connell, the trainer, explained his tactics: "He was a bit rank the previous day, so we left him off the pace today and he took advantage.
He’s only had a handful of hurdle runs but jumps like a chaser and has a solid engine. The Arkle Chase is definitely on our radar for next season – he’s a true two‑miler who dislikes being restrained." The festival also showcased a strong performance from Kalix Delabarriere in the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle. After a close battle with I’m Slippy over the final flight, Kalix Delabarriere pulled ahead decisively, winning by four lengths.
Willie Mullins praised the horse’s development, noting that it took 18 months to bring the colt to this level, and hinted at a possible switch to chasing next season. In the Goffs Defender Bumper, Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen delivered an impressive five‑and‑a‑half‑length victory over Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY, earning €59,000. Brassil highlighted the colt’s size and potential, stating that a break will allow him to mature before tackling the rigours of jumping. He also provided an update on stable star Fastorslow, confirming the staying chaser remains on the “easy list” and is expected back in training during the summer months.
Overall, the Punchestown Festival delivered a mixture of classic double victories, emerging talent, and strategic insights from leading trainers, setting the stage for an exciting spring and the upcoming Cheltenham season.