Il Etait Temps once again proved why he is considered one of the sport's elite, adding a second top‑level triumph to his résumé by capturing the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival after already having secured the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. The French‑bred gelding, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, showed the class and resilience that have become his hallmark throughout the season. Marine Nationale, the horse that completed the same double a year earlier, was among the challengers, alongside Majborough.
Jockey Paul Townend, who rode Il Etait Temps at Cheltenham, chose to hold the Mullins‑trained contender back in the early stages of the five‑runner field, allowing the race to settle before making his move. Townend gave Il Etait Temps a chance to settle after an early mistake, then gradually eased him forward as they approached the final three furlongs. The favourite, priced at 8‑11, found a rhythm and began to make steady progress, overtaking Marine Nationale with a decisive jump two fences from the finish. From there, the champion stretched his lead, pulling away to win by five lengths, while the veteran Energumene, who was subsequently retired, held on for a respectable third place.
Mullins praised his winner, noting that the gelding does not look like a typical big chaser but possesses tremendous strength and stamina. "He is a hell of a horse," Mullins said. "He isn’t a large horse, but he is strong and has huge reserves.
After the mistake at Ascot in the Clarence House Chase, I thought ‘wow’ when he bounced back beside Marine Nationale at the third‑last. To fall at Ascot and then come back to win at Cheltenham was special, especially with Paul riding in top‑flight jockey mode." Mullins also offered thoughts on Majborough, suggesting the horse might benefit from a longer distance and a more measured pace to fully showcase his abilities. The retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumene was another emotional moment of the day.
The former double‑winner of the Punchestown‑Cheltenham Champion Chase was praised for his soundness and his memorable performances, including a brilliant win at Fairyhouse over Easter. "He retires nice and sound and ran a cracker," Mullins said. "Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham is a great memory.
He had the speed and the jumping ability that set him apart." Marine Nationale's trainer, Barry Connell, expressed satisfaction with his horse's effort despite a less than ideal run. "He jumps fantastically well with those cheekpieces on and was foot‑perfect, but I’d say he looked a little flat today," Connell explained. He noted that the horse’s speed usually shines after the second‑last fence, but on this occasion he seemed to lack his usual spark.
Nonetheless, Connell praised the winner and remained optimistic about Marine Nationale's prospects for the next season. In another highlight, Western Fold delivered a crucial win for Gordon Elliott’s bid for the trainers' championship, taking the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown. The 18‑1 outsider, ridden by Jack Kennedy, surged ahead in the final stages to beat Fleur In The Park by three and three‑quarter lengths, securing a €73,625 prize. Elliott, speaking after the race, admitted he was initially nervous about the three‑mile distance but was pleased with the horse’s performance, describing it as “cold” and “well‑timed.” He hinted at future plans that could include a trip to the American Grand National or a return to the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran, emphasizing that the horse thrives on softer ground.
Eachtotheirown also made a statement on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, winning the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle by four and a quarter lengths. Jockey Sean Flanagan sent the seven‑year‑old to the front early, and the horse never looked back, staying clear of rivals such as Blake and Le Labo. Trainer Barry Connell explained that the horse had been “rank” the previous day, so they opted to give him a free run in front, a tactic that paid dividends.
Connell sees the Arkle Chase as a target for next season, noting that Eachtotheirown is a genuine two‑miler who prefers to run freely rather than be restrained. Kalix Delabarriere, a Willie Mullins runner, produced a strong finish in the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, pulling away from I'm Slippy and Messerschmitt to win by four lengths. Mullins praised the horse’s development, acknowledging that it took 18 months to get the gelding to this level.
He highlighted the horse’s pedigree (by Galiway) and its “big type” physique, which gives him a powerful finishing kick. 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. Brassil lauded the horse’s size and stride, noting that they gave him a chance to showcase his natural ability. He plans to give Abbeyglen a break to mature before stepping up to chasing, emphasizing the horse’s exciting pedigree and potential for future success.
The day also featured updates on other stable stars, such as Fastorslow, who remains on the “easy list” and is expected to return to training in the summer months. Overall, the Punchestown Festival provided a thrilling mix of high‑profile victories, promising young talent, and emotional farewells, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming National Hunt season.