Il Etait Temps once again proved why he belongs at the very top of the National Hunt scene, adding a second Grade One triumph to his résumé by winning the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown after already capturing the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. The French‑trained gelding, owned by the powerful Goff family and trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, displayed the same blend of speed, stamina and jumping precision that has made him a fan favourite.
The race unfolded with Marine Nationale, the previous year’s double winner, leading the field early on alongside Majborough. Paul Townend, who had already guided Il Etait Temps to victory at Cheltenham, elected to hold the Mullins‑trained star back in the early stages, allowing the five‑runner field to settle. As the horses turned into the home straight, Townend eased his mount into a comfortable position, letting him find his rhythm after a minor mistake earlier in the contest. Approaching the final three furlongs, Il Etait Temps, starting as the 8‑11 favourite, surged forward, jumping the third last fence in front and then extending his lead.
He pulled away from Marine Nationale, who has had an interrupted campaign this season, and crossed the line five lengths clear. Veteran chaser Energumene, who was pulled up shortly after, managed a respectable third before being retired on the spot.
Mullins praised his winner, noting that despite his modest size, the horse possesses immense strength and a deep reservoir of stamina. He recalled Il Etait Temps’s fall at the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January and how the gelding rebounded to win at Cheltenham, underscoring the horse’s resilience and the jockey’s top‑flight performance. When asked about Majborough, Mullins suggested that 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 Energumene’s retirement, Mullins reflected on the 12‑year‑old’s illustrious career, highlighting his two Punchestown‑Cheltenham doubles and his memorable victory in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, which demonstrated his speed and jumping ability.
Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, expressed satisfaction with the performance despite the horse not showing his usual bounce. He praised Marine Nationale’s flawless jumping and noted that the horse seemed a little “flat” in the closing stages, but still considered him a worthy contender on the day.
Connell hinted that the run could set the stage for a promising campaign next season, hoping for a touch of luck to improve the horse’s fortunes. The meeting also featured a thrilling contest in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, where Western Fold delivered a decisive win for Gordon Elliott’s stable, bolstering Elliott’s bid for the trainers’ championship.
After a brisk start from Brown Advisory’s Kitzbuhel, who faded late, Western Fold, ridden by Jack Kennedy, took the lead and held off a strong challenge from Fleur In The Park, winning by three and three‑quarter lengths and earning a €73,625 prize. Elliott praised the horse’s adaptability over three miles, noting that a cooler ride helped him finish strongly.
He discussed future plans, including a possible run in the American Grand National and a domestic target at the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October, emphasizing that the horse thrives on softer ground. In the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, Eachtotheirown captured 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 from Blake. Connell, the trainer, explained that after a lackluster performance in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, they opted to let the horse lead, which paid off.
He described Eachtotheirown as a big‑boned horse with a strong engine, capable of jumping like a seasoned chaser despite limited hurdle experience. Connell confirmed that the Arkle Chase is a top target for next season, as the gelding is a true two‑miler who prefers to run freely rather than be restrained. Kalix Delabarriere, a Willie Mullins‑trained gelding, displayed a powerful finish in the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, pulling away in the final furlong to win by four lengths over I’m Slippy.
Mullins lauded the achievement, noting that it was a great reward for trainer Sean Cleary‑Farrell and the owners, and hinted that the horse may be stepped up in class or switched to chasing next season. He reflected on the horse’s development, acknowledging a slow start to his career but praising his late‑race kick and physical presence. In the Goffs Defender Bumper, Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen delivered an impressive performance, winning by five and a half lengths over Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY and taking home a €59,000 purse.
Brassil expressed delight at the result, highlighting the horse’s size and stride, and indicated that Abbeyglen will be given a break to mature before tackling the rigours of jumping in the future. He also provided an update on stable star Fastorslow, confirming that the staying chaser remains on the “easy list” and is expected to return to training in the summer months. Overall, the Punchestown Festival showcased a blend of established champions reaffirming their status and emerging talents hinting at future greatness. From Il Etait Temps’s dominant double to Western Fold’s championship‑boosting victory and the promising displays of Eachtotheirown, Kalix Delabarriere and Abbeyglen, the meeting offered a rich tapestry of stories that will shape the upcoming National Hunt season.
Fans can look forward to the next chapters as trainers plot campaigns, jockeys refine strategies, and the horses continue to write their own legacies on the Irish racing calendar.