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 Punchestown after having already captured the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. The French‑bred veteran, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, displayed the same composure and turn of foot that made him a favourite throughout the season.
Marine Nationale, the horse that completed an identical double a year earlier, was among the field that accompanied Il Etait Temps and fellow contender Majborough. Jockey Paul Townend, who had already guided Il Etait Temps to success at Cheltenham, elected to hold the Mullins‑trained champion back in the early stages, allowing the five‑runner field to settle before making his move.
Townend gave his mount a few lengths to settle after an early mistake, then gradually eased him forward as they approached the final three fences. Riding the 8‑11 favourite, he found a rhythm, and when the pair hit the third-last fence, Il Etait Temps surged ahead, pulling two lengths clear of the opposition. He continued to open up, eventually finishing five lengths ahead of Marine Nationale, while the seasoned campaigner Energumen, who was being retired on the day, held on for a respectable third place.
Mullins praised his winner, noting that despite his modest size the horse possesses extraordinary strength and stamina. "He may not look like a typical big chaser, but his power is immense.
After the slip at Ascot in the Clarence House Chase, I was amazed to see him bounce back so quickly and dominate at Cheltenham. Paul rode him superbly, and the horse showed the heart of a champion," the trainer explained.
He also commented on Majborough, suggesting that the gelding might benefit from a longer distance where he can settle into a steadier pace. When asked about the retirement of the 12‑year‑old Energumen, who has also achieved the Punchestown‑Cheltenham double twice, Mullins said, "He retires sound and happy after a brilliant career. He gave us a memorable day at Fairyhouse this Easter, proving that age is just a number for him. Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham will always be a highlight, as his speed and jumping ability set him apart." Marine Nationale's trainer, Barry Connell, expressed satisfaction with his horse's performance despite a slightly flat finish.
"He jumps beautifully with his cheekpieces on and was perfectly balanced, but the ground was a bit too firm for him today. He usually accelerates sharply at the second-last, yet he seemed to lack that extra spark. Still, credit to the winner – they were well clear of the rest.
This run gives us a good platform for next season, and we hope a bit of luck follows him," Connell said. The Punchestown Festival also featured a thrilling showdown in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, where Western Fold delivered a decisive victory for Gordon Elliott's stable. The 18‑1 outsider, ridden by Jack Kennedy, produced a powerful finishing run, beating Fleur In The Park by three and three‑quarter lengths to claim the €73,625 prize. After the race Elliott praised the horse's improvement over the three‑mile distance, noting that a cooler ride this time produced a better performance.
He hinted at future targets, including a possible run in the American Grand National or the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran, emphasizing that Western Fold thrives on softer ground. In the opening day of the festival, Eachtotheirown captured the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. The seven‑year‑old, sent to the front by jockey Sean Flanagan, never looked back and won by four and a quarter lengths.
Connell, who trained the horse, highlighted its limited experience over hurdles but praised its natural jumping talent and strong engine, suggesting an Arkle Chase campaign for next season. Another notable performance came from Kalix Delabarriere, who surged clear in the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle to win by four lengths. Willie Mullins lauded the horse's development, acknowledging that it took longer than expected for the gelding to find his stride, but now he possesses a powerful finishing kick that could see him stepping up in class next year.
In the Goffs Defender Bumper, Martin Brassil's Abbeyglen delivered an impressive five‑and‑a‑half‑length victory over Mullins' Altesse Du LuY, securing the €59,000 winner's purse. Brassil expressed delight with the colt's performance, noting his size and pedigree, and indicated that the horse will be given a break to mature before tackling the rigours of chasing.
Overall, the Punchestown Festival showcased a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and promising newcomers. Il Etait Temps' double cemented his status as a modern great, while the successes of Western Fold, Eachtotheirown, Kalix Delabarriere and Abbeyglen highlighted the depth of talent across the Irish training ranks. Fans can look forward to an exciting upcoming season as these horses continue to develop and aim for further glory at Cheltenham, the Grand National and beyond.