Il Etait Temps once again proved why he belongs at the very top of National Hunt racing, adding a second Grade One triumph to his already impressive résumé by winning the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival. This victory comes just weeks after the same horse captured the two‑mile crown at Cheltenham, completing a coveted Punchestown‑Cheltenham double for the second time in his career. The race featured a modest field of five runners, including the 12‑year‑old veteran Marine Nationale, who had achieved the same double a year earlier, and the well‑regarded Majborough.
Paul Townend, the stable’s first‑choice jockey, elected to give Il Etait Temps a clear run in the middle of the pack rather than a front‑running position. The plan was to allow the horse to settle after an early mistake and then ask him to produce his best effort in the closing stages. Townend’s tactics paid off.
After the early blunder, Il Etait Temps found his rhythm and, as the race entered the final three furlongs, began to accelerate. He moved into the lead with two fences remaining, pulling away from Marine Nationale, whose campaign had been disrupted by a series of setbacks. Il Etait Temps crossed the line five lengths clear, while the seasoned Energumen—making his final appearance before retirement—held on for a respectable third place.
Willie Mullins, the trainer of the winner, was effusive in his praise: "He is a phenomenal horse. He doesn’t look like the typical big chaser, but his strength and stamina are extraordinary. After the mistake at Ascot’s Clarence House Chase in January, I thought he might be rattled, yet he bounced back at Cheltenham and now at Punchestown. That shows true class and resilience." Mullins also commented on the other runners.
He suggested that Majborough might benefit from a longer trip, allowing the horse to settle into a more comfortable rhythm. Regarding the retiring Energumen, Mullins reflected on the champion’s storied career: "He retires sound and happy after another brilliant performance. Winning the Champion Chase at Cheltenham was a highlight, and he still possesses the speed and jumping ability that made him a fan favourite." Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, expressed satisfaction with his horse’s effort despite a slightly flat run: "He jumped beautifully, especially with the cheekpieces on, but his finishing speed was a touch off. He’s still a worthy contender, and this race sets us up nicely for next season." In another highlight of the festival, Western Fold delivered a crucial win for Gordon Elliott’s bid for the trainers’ championship.
The 18‑1 outsider, ridden by Jack Kennedy, surged ahead in the final stages of the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, beating Fleur In The Park by three and three‑quarter lengths and securing a €73,625 prize. Elliott praised the colt’s performance: "We were nervous about the three‑mile distance, but we kept him relaxed today and he responded brilliantly. He’s a top‑five earner this season and could have a future in Grade One races abroad, such as the American Grand National, or at home in the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran.
The ground suits him, and a short break after this win will be beneficial." The opening day of the festival also saw Eachtotheirown dominate the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. The seven‑year‑old, sent to the front by Sean Flanagan, never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths. Trainer Barry Connell explained the horse’s preparation: "He was a bit rank the previous day, so we gave him a free run today. He’s still early in his hurdling career but shows the making of a top‑class chaser." Connell hinted at future plans, targeting the Arkle Chase next season as the horse is a true two‑mile specialist who prefers to run freely rather than be restrained.
He also mentioned a possible beginners’ chase before stepping up to Leopardstown and Cheltenham later in the campaign. In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere, trained by Willie Mullins, produced a decisive finish, pulling away from I'm Slippy and Messerschmitt to win by four lengths. Mullins lauded the horse’s development: "It’s fantastic for Sean Cleary‑Farrell and the owners to see a big handicap hurdle win at Fairyhouse and then repeat at Punchestown.
We may need to raise his class, but he’s a lovely, powerful type with a strong finish." Mullins also celebrated Abbeyglen’s victory in the Goffs Defender Bumper. Trainer Martin Brassil praised the 11‑2 winner: "He’s a big, leggy horse who delivered exactly what we hoped for. He showed plenty of potential at home and will now have a break to mature before tackling jumps." Brassil gave an update on another stable star, Fastorslow, confirming that the staying chaser remains on the training list and is expected to return to work in the summer months.
Overall, the Punchestown Festival delivered a blend of classic double victories, surprise upsets, and promising performances from emerging talent, setting the stage for an exciting spring and autumn campaign across the Irish and British racing calendars.