Il Etait Temps once again proved why he belongs among the elite, adding a second‑grade win to his résumé by capturing the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown after already conquering the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham. The French‑bred veteran, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, displayed the poise and stamina that have made him a fan favourite throughout his illustrious career. The race opened with Marine Nationale, the previous year’s double‑winner, leading the field alongside Majborough.
Paul Townend, who had already ridden Il Etait Temps to victory at Cheltenham, elected to drop the Mullins star into a mid‑pack position as the five‑runner contest unfolded. This tactical decision gave the horse a chance to settle after an early mistake, allowing him to find a rhythm before making his move. Approaching the final three fences, Townend eased Il Etait Temps into a smoother, more efficient stride. The 8‑11 favourite surged forward, taking the lead two fences from the finish.
He then opened a clear gap, pulling away from Marine Nationale—who has endured a disrupted campaign due to a series of setbacks—and extending his advantage to five lengths at the line. Behind them, the 12‑year‑old veteran Energumene, who had already announced his retirement, finished a creditable third before being led away for the final time. Mullins praised his champion after the race, noting that Il Etait Temps may not look like a typical heavyweight chaser, but his compact build hides a reservoir of strength.
"He is a hell of a horse and when you look at him, he doesn't exactly scream a big chaser to you. He isn’t a big horse, but he is strong. He has huge reserves," Mullins said. He highlighted the horse’s resilience after a fall at the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January, emphasizing how the gelding bounced back to win at Cheltenham and then repeated the feat at Punchestown.
The trainer also offered thoughts on Majborough, suggesting the colt might benefit from a longer trip where he can settle into a steadier rhythm rather than being forced to sprint over a shorter distance. This insight reflects Mullins’ long‑term planning for his stable, always looking for the optimal conditions for each horse.
When asked about the retiring Energumene, Mullins reflected on the chaser’s remarkable record, including two Punchestown‑Cheltenham doubles. "He retires nice and sound and ran a cracker. He gave us all such a great day out at Fairyhouse (at Easter) when he rolled back the years. It is too sunny (ground‑wise) for him today, but he still put up a great battle.
Winning his first Champion Chase in Cheltenham is a great memory. He had that speed and ability to jump and that marked him out," the trainer said, underscoring the horse’s lasting impact on the sport.
Marine Nationale’s connections also weighed in. Trainer Barry Connell expressed satisfaction with the performance despite the horse’s flatness on the day. "I’m delighted with the run, but he has not had the bounce of the ball this year. He jumps fantastically well with those cheekpieces on and was foot‑perfect, but I’d say he is a little bit flat.
Normally when he lands at the back of the second‑last, speed is his forte and he looked like he ran a bit flat," Connell explained. He praised the winner, acknowledging that the race set the stage for a promising campaign next season and hinted at a bit of luck being on Marine Nationale’s side. The Punchestown Festival continued with a thrilling Champion Novice Chase. Western Fold, trained by Gordon Elliott, delivered a decisive victory, boosting Elliott’s bid for the trainers’ championship.
After a brisk start by Brown Advisory’s Kitzbuhel, the front‑runner faded, allowing Western Fold, ridden by Jack Kennedy, to seize the initiative. The 18‑1 outsider proved superior, pulling away to win by three and three‑quarter lengths and earning a €73,625 prize. Elliott was upbeat about the performance, noting that the horse had been over‑worked earlier in the season but still managed to produce a top‑class run. He discussed potential future targets, including a possible run in the American Grand National—where his stablemate Zanahiyr triumphed last year—and a domestic campaign featuring the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October.
"The key to this horse is the ground and he is a stone better on it," Elliott added, emphasizing the importance of surface conditions for Western Fold’s continued success. On the same day, Eachtotheirown, a seven‑year‑old trained by Barry Connell, dominated the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle.
Sent to the front early by jockey Sean Flanagan, the 16‑1 outsider never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths. Connell praised the horse’s versatility, noting that although he has limited experience over hurdles, his natural jumping ability and strong engine make him a genuine contender for future chases, including a potential Arkle Chase next season. The festival also featured a standout performance in the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle.
Kalix Delabarriere, a Willie Mullins runner at 10‑1, surged clear in the final stages, finishing four lengths ahead of I'm Slippy. Mullins lauded the colt’s development, recalling earlier disappointment when the horse failed to meet expectations as a potential bumper.
After 18 months of careful conditioning, the trainer believes Kalix Delabarriere now possesses the “kick at the end of his races” needed for higher‑class competition, hinting at a possible chase campaign next year. In the Goffs Defender Bumper, Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen delivered a convincing victory, winning by five and a half lengths over Mullins’ Altesse Du LuY. Brassil highlighted the horse’s size and pedigree, noting that a short break would allow the young colt 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 will return to training in the summer months. Overall, the Punchestown Festival showcased a blend of seasoned champions confirming their status and emerging talent hinting at future greatness. From Il Etait Temps’ historic double to Western Fold’s championship‑boosting win, the meeting offered a rich tapestry of stories that will shape the upcoming National Hunt season.