Il Etait Temps once again proved his top‑class ability by adding a second Grade One triumph to his résumé, capturing the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival and completing a prestigious Punchestown‑Cheltenham double. The eight‑year‑old, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, followed his two‑mile triumph at Cheltenham with a flawless performance at Punchestown, confirming his status as one of the season's most versatile chasers. Marine Nationale, the horse that achieved the same double a year earlier, entered the race alongside Majborough, but Paul Townend elected to drop the Mullins‑trained Il Etait Temps into a midfield position among the five starters. Townend gave the horse a few strides to settle after an early mistake, then gradually eased him back into contention.
As they approached the final three furlongs, the 8‑11 favourite began to make his move, leaping cleanly over the penultimate fence and taking the lead. From that point, Il Etait Temps opened up a decisive gap, pulling away from Marine Nationale—who has endured a disrupted campaign this year—and ultimately winning by five lengths. Veteran campaigner Energumene, who was retired immediately after the race, held on for a respectable third place, adding a dignified finish to his illustrious career that includes two previous Punchestown‑Cheltenham doubles.
Mullins praised his winner, noting that the horse may not look like a typical big‑chaser but possesses tremendous strength and stamina. "He is a hell of a horse and, although he isn’t a large animal, he’s incredibly strong.
After his mistake, I was amazed at how quickly he recovered and surged past Marine Nationale at the third‑last. Marine Nationale is a solid competitor with a good engine, so to beat him after a fall at Ascot’s Clarence House Chase in January and then win at Cheltenham was truly special," Mullins said. He also suggested that Majborough might benefit from a longer distance, allowing the horse to settle into a steadier rhythm. Speaking about the retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumene, Mullins reflected on the horse’s consistency and his memorable performances.
"He retires sound and healthy after a brilliant race. He gave us a fantastic day at Fairyhouse at Easter, reminding everyone of his youthful vigor.
The ground was a bit too firm for him today, but he still fought valiantly. Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham remains a treasured memory; his speed and jumping ability set him apart," the trainer added. Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, expressed satisfaction with his horse’s effort despite a slightly flat run.
"I’m delighted with the performance, though he hasn’t had the bounce this year. He jumps beautifully with his cheekpieces and was technically perfect, but his stride seemed a little flat on the finish.
Normally he accelerates sharply at the second‑last, but today he appeared to run a bit flat. All credit to the winner, who pulled well clear of the field," Connell explained.
He also noted that Marine Nationale’s recent work had been adequate but not exceptional, and he hopes the horse will enjoy a successful campaign next season. In another highlight, Western Fold boosted Gordon Elliott’s bid for the trainers’ championship by winning the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase. Although the race began with Brown Advisory’s Kitzbuhel leading, the front‑runner faded as the finish approached.
July Flower briefly took over, but Western Fold, ridden by Jack Kennedy, surged ahead in the final stages. Fleur In The Park and Nowwhatdoyouthink also contested the finish, but Kitzbuhel was eventually pulled up.
Western Fold, a relative outsider at 18‑1, claimed the €73,625 prize by three and three‑quarter lengths, showcasing Elliott’s training acumen. Elliott praised the performance, acknowledging his initial nerves over the three‑mile distance.
"We rode him a bit too gently in his previous attempts, but today we gave him a cold ride and it paid off. Some horses finish their season around now, yet Western Fold has raced more than most and is among the top five earners this year," he said. He also discussed future plans, mentioning the possibility of targeting the American Grand National—a Grade One race won by Zanahiyr last year—or the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October, emphasizing that the horse thrives on softer ground.
Eachtotheirown delivered a dominant victory in the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle on Punchestown’s opening day. Jockey 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. Favorite El Cairos challenged two fences out but could not sustain the pace, eventually finishing fourth.
Connell, who trained both Eachtotheirown and El Cairos, explained his tactics: "Eachtotheirown was keen the previous day, so we left him off the pace today, giving him a free run. He’s a big, powerful horse with a strong engine, and although he’s only had a few hurdle starts, he’s already showing the attributes of a top chaser." Looking ahead, Connell confirmed that the Arkle Chase is a primary target for next season, noting the horse’s preference for a genuine two‑mile trip without being restrained.
He expects a preparatory beginners’ chase before the ground becomes too firm, followed by two runs at Leopardstown and a final test at Cheltenham. In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere surged ahead to claim victory, finishing four lengths clear of I'm Slippy.
Trainer Willie Mullins praised the win, highlighting Sean Cleary‑Farrell’s ride and the owners’ satisfaction. Mullins added that Kalix Delabarriere may be moved up in class soon, but the team plans to give the horse a break and aim for chasing next season, acknowledging the horse’s late development and impressive finishing kick.
Finally, Martin Brassil celebrated Abbeyglen’s impressive win in the Goffs Defender Bumper, where the eleven‑year‑old won by five and a half lengths over Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY, securing the €59,000 prize. Brassil praised the horse’s size, pedigree, and potential, noting that a break is planned to allow further maturation before tackling jumps.
He also provided an update on stable star Fastorslow, confirming the staying chaser remains on the “easy list” and will likely return to training in the summer months. Overall, the Punchestown Festival delivered a series of memorable performances, showcasing the depth of talent among Irish trainers and jockeys, and setting the stage for an exciting autumn and winter campaign across the National Hunt calendar.