Il Etait Temps once again proved why he is among the elite of National Hunt racing, adding a second Grade One triumph to his résumé by winning the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival after having captured the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. This remarkable achievement marks his eighth victory at the highest level and underscores his consistency across the spring festival circuit.
The race featured a strong field that included Marine Nationale, the horse that had completed the same double a year earlier, and Majborough, who also travelled from Cheltenham. Jockey Paul Townend, who rode the Willie Mullins‑trained Il Etait Temps, chose to settle the horse in the middle of the five‑runner lineup, allowing him to settle after an early mistake.
As the race entered the final three furlongs, Townend eased the favourite, priced at 8‑11, down the centre of the track, and Il Etait Temps began to find his rhythm again. Approaching the last turn, the French‑bred thoroughbred surged forward, pulling clear of Marine Nationale, whose campaign had been interrupted by a brief lay‑off. Il Etait Temps extended his lead to five lengths at the finish, while the veteran Energumene, who was pulled up shortly after crossing the line, managed a respectable third place before being retired on the spot. Mullins, clearly proud of his charge, praised the horse's physical attributes and mental toughness, noting that "he isn’t a big horse, but he is strong" and that he possesses "huge reserves" that were evident when he recovered from a mistake and re‑established his position beside Marine Nationale at the third‑last fence.
Mullins also reflected on Il Etait Temps' comeback after a fall at the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January, describing the Cheltenham win as "special" and highlighting the jockey's top‑flight performance. He added that Majborough might benefit from a longer trip, suggesting a slower pace over a greater distance could allow the horse to settle more comfortably.
The retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumene was another poignant moment of the day. The former double winner of the Punchestown‑Cheltenham Champion Chase was praised for his soundness and his ability to deliver a "cracker" of a performance even on ground that was considered too sunny for his liking.
His first Champion Chase victory at Cheltenham remains a cherished memory, and his speed and jumping ability were cited as key factors in his success. Marine Nationale's trainer Barry Connell expressed satisfaction with his horse's effort, acknowledging that the horse had not shown his usual "bounce of the ball" this season.
Connell praised Marine Nationale's jumping technique, especially with cheekpieces, but felt the horse ran a little flat in the final stages. He emphasized that the winner deserved full credit and that the performance set the stage for a promising campaign next season, hoping for a bit of luck to follow.
In another highlight of the festival, Western Fold delivered a significant boost to Gordon Elliott's bid for the trainers' championship by winning the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase. The race began with Brown Advisory's Kitzbuhel leading, but he faded as the finish approached, allowing July Flower to take the front.
Western Fold, however, found a second wind and surged ahead, pulling away from Fleur In The Park and Nowwhatdoyouthink. Jack Kennedy rode the 18‑1 outsider to a decisive three‑and‑three‑quarter‑length victory, earning a €73,625 prize.
Elliott commented on the performance, noting his nerves about the three‑mile distance but praising the horse's cold, composed ride. He mentioned potential future targets, including the American Grand National and the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October, while emphasizing that Western Fold thrives on softer ground and may need a break before tackling the Galway Plate due to weight considerations. The opening day of Punchestown also saw Eachtotheirown dominate the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle.
Sean Flanagan sent the seven‑year‑old to the front early, and the 16‑1 shot never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths over Blake. Barry Connell, who trained the runner‑up El Cairos, explained that a change in tactics—allowing Eachtotheirown to lead from the start—paid dividends. He described the horse as a "big stamp" with a strong engine, noting his limited hurdle experience but clear potential as a chaser. Connell also hinted at the Arkle Chase as a future goal for Eachtotheirown, describing him as a true two‑miler who dislikes being restrained.
He expects the horse to return in a beginners' chase before the ground deteriorates, then aim for Leopardstown and ultimately Cheltenham next season. In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere, trained by Willie Mullins, produced a powerful finish, pulling away from I'm Slippy and Messerschmitt to win by four lengths. Mullins praised the horse's development, noting that it took 18 months to get him right after a disappointing start as a potential bumper. He highlighted Kalix's size, stamina, and finishing kick, suggesting a step up in class for the future.
Martin Brassil's Abbeyglen secured a commanding victory in the Goffs Defender Bumper, winning by five and a half lengths over Mullins' Altesse Du LuY and taking home €59,000. Brassil expressed delight at the horse's performance, describing him as a "big, leggy" animal who fulfilled expectations. He plans to give Abbeyglen a break to allow him to mature before tackling the rigors of jumping in future campaigns.
Brassil also provided an update on stable star Fastorslow, indicating that the staying chaser remains on the "easy list" but is expected to return to training in the autumn or winter, with a target of July or August for his next start. Overall, the Punchestown Festival delivered a blend of thrilling victories, strategic insights from top trainers, and promising glimpses of future stars.
The double achievements of Il Etait Temps and the strong performances from horses like Western Fold, Eachtotheirown, and Kalix Delabarriere highlight the depth of talent in Irish National Hunt racing and set the stage for an exciting spring and summer campaign ahead.