Il Etait Temps once again proved why he belongs among the elite, adding a second top‑level triumph to his résumé by winning the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown after having 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 festival. Marine Nationale, the horse that had completed the same double a year earlier, was sent off as a serious contender alongside Majborough.
Jockey Paul Townend, who had already partnered Il Etait Temps in the Cheltenham Champion Chase, elected to hold the Mullins runner back in the early stages of the five‑horse field, allowing the others to set the pace. After a brief stumble that threatened to compromise his rhythm, Townend gave Il Etait Temps a few lengths to settle back into stride. As they turned into the final three furlongs, the 8‑11 favourite began to make his move, pulling ahead of Marine Nationale and establishing a clear lead.
By the last fence he was five lengths clear, and he stayed on strongly to the finish line, while the veteran Energumen, who was being retired after the race, held on for a respectable third place. Mullins was effusive in his post‑race interview: "He is a remarkable horse. He doesn't look like a typical big chaser – he's compact, but incredibly powerful. He has huge reserves of stamina.
When he made that mistake earlier, I thought, 'wow, he recovered instantly and was right there with Marine Nationale at the third‑last.' Marine Nationale is a very respectable horse with a solid engine, so to beat him after a fall at Ascot in January and then win at Cheltenham was truly special. Paul rode him in top‑flight mode and the result speaks for itself." Mullins also commented on Majborough, suggesting that the horse might benefit from a longer distance: "He could need a longer trip, perhaps a slower pace over a greater distance would bring his best form to the fore." When asked about the retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumen, who has also achieved the Punchestown‑Cheltenham double twice, Mullins said: "He retires sound and happy after a brilliant performance.
He gave us a fantastic day at Fairyhouse at Easter, looking younger than his years. The ground was a little too firm for him today, but he still put up a great fight.
Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham will always be a treasured memory – his speed and jumping ability set him apart." Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, praised his charge despite a less than ideal run: "I'm delighted with the effort. He hasn't had the bounce this year, but his jumping is flawless with the cheekpieces on, and he was foot‑perfect. He seemed a touch flat in the final stages – normally he accelerates after the second‑last, but today he appeared to run a little flat.
All credit to the winner; they pulled well clear. I don’t think his hold‑up affected him, and while Eachtotheirown (the Grade One Champion Novice Hurdle winner earlier in the day) was in excellent shape, Marine Nationale had a strong work at Fairyhouse a few weeks ago and has been consistent since. He may be a little flat today, but he is still a worthy competitor.
This performance sets us up nicely for next season, and we hope a bit of luck follows him." In the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, Western Fold gave Gordon Elliott a valuable boost in his bid for the trainers’ championship. After an early lead by Kitzbuhel, who faded at the finish, July Flower took over, but Western Fold, ridden by Jack Kennedy, surged ahead in the final stages. The 18‑1 outsider proved the strongest, winning by three and three‑quarter lengths and taking home €73,625. Kennedy explained: "I was nervous about the three‑mile distance, as we had ridden him too handy in his previous attempts.
Today we kept him cool and he delivered a solid performance. Some horses finish their season around now, but he has been busy and is among the top five earners this year." Elliott added that the connections are considering a trip to the American Grand National, a Grade One race won by Zanahiyr last year, but also eyeing the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October.
"The key to this horse is the ground – he loves softer going. He’ll have a short break, and while I’d love to contest the Galway Plate, the weight might be too high after today’s effort." On the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, Eachtotheirown dominated the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle.
Sean Flanagan sent the seven‑year‑old to the front early, and the 16‑1 outsider never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths. Connell, the trainer, noted that the horse had only one win in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, prompting a change in tactics: "He was a bit rank the previous day, so we left him off the pace today and it paid off. He’s a big, powerful horse, still a novice over hurdles but clearly built for chasing." Paddy Power offered 40‑1 odds for the Arkle Chase next season, and Connell confirmed the plan: "The Arkle is at the top of my list for him.
He’s a pure two‑miler who dislikes being restrained. He’ll start the next season in a beginners’ chase, then step up to Leopardstown twice before heading to Cheltenham." In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere surged ahead in the final stages to win by four lengths over I'm Slippy. Mullins praised the performance, saying: "It was fantastic for Sean Cleary‑Farrell and the owners to win a big handicap at Fairyhouse and then repeat at Punchestown.
We may have to raise his class, but we’ll likely keep him in hurdles for now before trying him over fences next season. He’s a big, well‑built type with a great finishing kick." Finally, Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen captured the Goffs Defender Bumper, beating Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY by five and a half lengths. Brassil said: "It was wonderful to see him perform today. He’s a big, leggy horse and he delivered exactly what we hoped.
He’ll get a break to mature before taking on the rigors of jumping. He has an exciting pedigree and we’re eager to see his development." Brassil also gave an update on stable star Fastorslow, noting that the staying chaser remains on the easy list and is expected to return to training in the summer months, aiming for a autumn/winter campaign.