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 capturing the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival. This win follows his two‑mile crown at Cheltenham, completing a coveted Punchestown‑Cheltenham double for the eighth time in his illustrious career.
The field was led by Marine Nationale, the horse that had achieved the same double a year earlier, and also featured Majborough. Jockey Paul Townend, who rides for the mighty Willie Mullins stable, chose to hold the 8‑11 favourite back in the early stages, allowing the other four runners to set the early pace. Townend gave Il Etait Temps a few lengths to settle after a minor mistake at the start.
As they turned into the final three furlongs, the French‑trained gelding began to find his rhythm, pulling alongside Marine Nationale. By the third last, Il Etait Temps was comfortably in front, and he used his superior stamina to pull away, winning by five lengths. Veteran Energumene, who had been struggling with an interrupted campaign, held on for a respectable third place before being retired on the spot.
Mullins, speaking about his champion, said, "He may not look like a typical big chaser, but he is incredibly strong and has a huge reservoir of energy. After that mistake at the start, I was amazed to see him recover so quickly and sit beside Marine Nationale at the third last. Marine is a solid horse 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. Paul rode in top‑flight mode and got the best out of him." Regarding Majborough, Mullins added, "He might need a longer trip.
A slower, more extended pace could suit him better and allow him to settle into his rhythm." When asked about the retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumene, who also completed the Punchestown‑Cheltenham double twice, Mullins reflected, "He retires sound and healthy after a brilliant career. He gave us a fantastic day at Fairyhouse at Easter, almost turning back the clock.
The ground was a little too firm for him today, but he still fought hard. Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham remains a treasured memory; his speed and jumping ability always set him apart." Marine Nationale’s trainer Barry Connell praised his runner despite a less than perfect performance: "I'm pleased with the effort, but he hasn’t had the bounce this year. He jumps beautifully with his cheekpieces and was technically perfect, yet he seemed a little flat on the finish.
Normally he accelerates sharply at the end of the race, but today he appeared to lose a touch of that speed. All credit to the winner, who pulled well clear. I don’t think the hold‑up affected him. He’s done a great piece of work at Fairyhouse a few weeks ago, and his recent training has been adequate.
He’s a worthy winner on the day and this will set us up nicely for next season, hopefully with a bit more luck." In another highlight, Western Fold gave Gordon Elliott a boost in his trainers' championship bid by winning the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown. The race began with Kitzbuhel, a Brown Advisory star, leading early, but he faded as the finish approached. July Flower briefly took the lead at the final fence, only to be overtaken by Western Fold, who had settled well behind the early pace. Fleur In The Park and Nowwhatdoyouthink also challenged, but Western Fold, sent out by Jack Kennedy, proved the strongest, winning by three and three‑quarter lengths and taking home a €73,625 prize.
Elliott commented, "It’s great, especially after being nervous about the three‑mile distance. We rode him a bit too easy in his previous attempts, but today we kept him cool and he delivered. Some horses finish their season around now, but Western Fold has been busy and is among the top five earners this year. We initially considered the American Grand National—Zanahiyr won it for us last year—but after trying him in open company in Ireland without success, we’re looking at other options.
The PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October is another target, and perhaps a pot‑hunt. The key for him is the ground; he performs best on softer surfaces. He’ll have a short break, and while I’d love to run him in the Galway Plate, the weight might be too high after today’s effort." On the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, Eachtotheirown secured the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle in dominant fashion. 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, who stayed on strongly.
Favorite El Cairos attempted a challenge two flights out but could not sustain the pace and faded, finishing fourth behind Gordon Elliott’s runner. Connell, who trained Eachtotheirown, explained his tactics: "He was a bit rank the previous day, so we left him out front today and gave him a free run. He’s a good horse with limited hurdle experience, but he’s built like a chaser and has a solid engine." Paddy Power had offered a 40‑1 price for the Arkle, and Connell confirmed that the Arkle Chase is the logical next step for Eachtotheirown next season.
"He’s a true two‑miler who doesn’t like being restrained. He’s a slow burner, and after a fresh run today he’ll likely start the next campaign in a beginners’ chase before moving on to Leopardstown and then Cheltenham." In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere produced a decisive finish, pulling away from I’m Slippy and Messerschmitt to win by four lengths. Willie Mullins praised the effort, noting that the horse had taken 18 months to find his best form.
"It’s fantastic for Sean Cleary‑Farrell and the owners to win a big handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse and then repeat at Punchestown. We may have to step him up in class, but he’s a lovely, big type with a real kick at the end of his races." Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen impressed in the Goffs Defender Bumper, winning by five and a half lengths over Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY and taking home €59,000.
Brassil said, "It was wonderful to see him perform today; everything fell into place. He’s a big, leggy horse with a great pedigree, and we’ll give him a break to let him mature before tackling the rigours of jumping." Brassil also gave an update on his staying chaser Fastorslow, confirming that the horse remains on the easy list and is expected to return to training in the usual July‑August window, targeting autumn and winter campaigns. Overall, the Punchestown Festival delivered a mix of thrilling victories, strategic trainer insights, and promising prospects for the upcoming National Hunt season, setting the stage for more high‑profile contests at Cheltenham, Leopardstown, and beyond.