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 already capturing the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. The achievement marks his eighth Grade One success and underscores his consistency at the very highest level of National Hunt racing.
Marine Nationale, the horse that completed the same double a year earlier, was among the rivals, while Majborough also featured in the small field of five. Jockey Paul Townend, who rides for the powerful Willie Mullins stable, opted to give Il Etait Temps a brief breather in the middle of the race, allowing the champion to settle after an early mistake.
As the pair approached the final three furlongs, Townend eased the horse lower in the saddle, and the 8‑11 favourite began to accelerate, pulling ahead of the pack. With a decisive turn of foot, Il Etait Temps stretched his lead, leaving Marine Nationale – who has had a fragmented campaign this season – trailing in his wake. The French‑trained veteran crossed the line five lengths clear, while the seasoned campaigner Energumene held on for a distant but respectable third place before being retired on the spot. Mullins praised his winner, noting that "he may not look like a typical big chaser, but his strength and stamina are extraordinary.
He has huge reserves, and after that early mistake he bounced back instantly, coming alongside Marine Nationale at the third‑last. Marine Nationale is a solid horse with a good engine, so to beat him after a fall at Ascot in January and then win at Cheltenham was truly special." He also commented on Majborough, suggesting that the horse might benefit from a longer trip and a slower pace to settle into his rhythm. Regarding the retiring Energumene, who also achieved the Punchestown‑Cheltenham double twice, Mullins said, "He retires sound and healthy after a brilliant career.
He gave us a wonderful day at Fairyhouse at Easter, showing that he could still roll back the years. Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham will always be a cherished memory – he had the speed and the jumping ability that set him apart." Marine Nationale's trainer, Barry Connell, expressed satisfaction with his runner despite a less than ideal performance. "He jumps beautifully with the cheekpieces on and was foot‑perfect, but today he seemed a little flat. Normally he finishes strongly, but the ground was too sunny for him.
Still, he is a worthy competitor and this race sets us up nicely for next season, hopefully with a bit of luck." In another highlight, Western Fold gave Gordon Elliott a boost in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown. The 18‑1 outsider, ridden by Jack Kennedy, turned the tables on the early leader Kitzbuhel, who faded after the final fence.
Western Fold surged ahead, pulling clear of Fleur In The Park and Nowwhatdoyouthink to win by three and three‑quarter lengths, earning €73,625 for his connections. Elliott praised the colt, saying, "We were nervous about the three‑mile distance, but we rode him calmly today and he delivered a great performance. He’s been busy all season and is among the top five earners.
We are considering options for the American Grand National, which Zanahiyr won for us last year, as well as the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October. The key for him is the ground – he loves it. He’ll have a short break, and while the Galway Plate would be tempting, his weight might be too high after this win." On the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, Eachtotheirown secured the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. Sean Flanagan sent the seven‑year‑old to the front early, and the 16‑1 shot never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths from Blake.
Favourite El Cairos challenged two fences out but could not maintain the pace, eventually finishing fourth. Connell explained that after a lackluster Supreme Novices' Hurdle run, they opted to give the horse a free lead today, and it paid off. He added, "He’s only had a handful of hurdle runs, but he’s a genuine chaser with a good engine." Paddy Power offered 40‑1 odds for the Arkle Chase next season, and Connell confirmed the race is a prime target for Eachtotheirown, describing him as an out‑and‑out two‑miler who dislikes being restrained.
He expects a beginners' chase early next season, followed by two Leopardstown runs before heading to Cheltenham. In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere displayed a powerful finishing run, pulling away from I'm Slippy and Messerschmitt to win by four lengths.
Mullins lauded the effort, noting it was a great achievement 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 recalled that Kalix had disappointed as a potential bumper, but after 18 months of development he now shows a strong turn of foot. Finally, Martin Brassil celebrated a dominant victory with Abbeyglen in the Goffs Defender Bumper, winning by five and a half lengths over Mullins' Altesse Du LuY and claiming the €59,000 prize.
Brassil praised the colt's size, pedigree and potential, saying they will give him a break to mature before tackling the rigors of jumping. He also provided an update on stable star Fastorslow, confirming the staying chaser remains on the “easy list” and is expected back in training around July or August for the autumn‑winter campaign. Overall, the Punchestown Festival delivered a rich tapestry of triumphs, retirements, and future plans, reinforcing the depth of talent in Irish National Hunt racing and setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.