Il Etait Temps once again proved why he is considered a top‑class chaser when he added the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown to his two‑mile triumph at Cheltenham, marking his eighth Grade One win at the highest level. The French‑bred veteran, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, faced a modest field of five but showed the same turn of foot and determination that have made him a fan favourite. Marine Nationale, the horse that completed the same double a year earlier, was drawn alongside Majborough.
Jockey Paul Townend, who had already guided Il Etait Temps to victory at Cheltenham, chose to hold the Mullins star back in the early stages, allowing the race to unfold at a sensible pace. As the field turned into the home straight, Townend eased his mount back into contention after an earlier mistake, and the 8‑11 favourite began to make steady progress. Approaching the final three furlongs, Il Etait Temps found his rhythm, leapt cleanly over the penultimate fence and surged ahead of Marine Nationale, who has had a somewhat interrupted campaign this season.
The French‑trained champion stretched his lead to five lengths by the finish line, while the seasoned veteran Energumen, who was pulled up shortly after crossing the line, managed a distant but respectable third. Energumen was then retired on the spot, ending a distinguished career that included two Punchestown‑Cheltenham doubles.
Mullins was effusive in his post‑race interview. "He is a fantastic horse," he said. "He may not look like a typical big chaser – he’s on the smaller side – but he’s incredibly strong and has huge reserves of stamina.
After that mistake early on, I thought, ‘wow,’ when he recovered and was right 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’s Clarence House Chase in January and then win at Cheltenham is truly special.
Paul rode him in top‑flight mode, and that made all the difference. As for Majborough, he may need a longer trip; perhaps a slower pace over a longer distance will suit him better." Speaking about the retirement of 12‑year‑old Energumen, Mullins added, "He goes out sound and healthy after a cracker of a race. He gave us a great day at Fairyhouse at Easter, rolling back the years. The ground was a bit too firm for him today, but he still put up a great fight.
Winning his first Champion Chase at Cheltenham will always be a treasured memory – his speed and jumping ability set him apart." Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, praised his runner despite the defeat. "I’m delighted with the run, although he hasn’t had the bounce this year.
He jumps beautifully with his cheekpieces on and was perfectly placed, but he seemed a little flat in the finish. Normally his speed shines at the back of the second‑last, but today he looked a touch tired.
All credit to the winner – they pulled well clear. I don’t think the hold‑up affected him; his work at Fairyhouse a few weeks ago was excellent, though his recent sessions have been only okay. He’s still a worthy competitor and this performance sets us up nicely for next season.
Hopefully we’ll get a bit of luck with him then." In the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, Western Fold gave Gordon Elliott’s bid for the trainers’ championship a much‑needed boost. The 18‑1 outsider, ridden by Jack Kennedy, produced a decisive late run to win by three and three‑quarter lengths, beating Andrew Slattery’s Fleur In The Park. The race had started with Brown Advisory’s Kitzbuhel leading, but the front‑runner faded as July Flower took over at the final fence. Western Fold, who had been travelling well throughout, surged ahead in the closing stages while Kitzbuhel was pulled up.
Elliott was pleased with the performance. "I was a bit nervous about the three‑mile distance, but we rode him nicely today – a cold, efficient ride. He’s been busy all season and is among the top five earners.
We had considered the American Grand National, which Zanahiyr won for us last year, but Western Fold hasn’t taken to open company in Ireland yet. The American race is a Grade One, so it’s tempting, but we also have the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran in October and perhaps a pot‑hunt.
The key for him is the ground; he’s a stone better on softer going. He’ll get a short break now, and while I’d love to see him in the Galway Plate, the weight might be too high after today’s effort." On the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, Eachtotheirown delivered a commanding performance in the Grade One PRL Champion Novice Hurdle. Starting at 16‑1, the seven‑year‑old was sent to the front by Sean Flanagan and never looked back, winning by four and a quarter lengths from Blake. Favourite El Cairos challenged two flights out but could not sustain the pace, eventually finishing fourth.
Connell, the trainer, explained that Eachtotheirown had only one home run in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, prompting a change in tactics. "He was a bit rank the previous day, so we left him off the pace today and he took a free run. He’s a good horse, still relatively inexperienced over hurdles but clearly built for chasing.
He jumped like a chaser and has a solid engine." Paddy Power offered 40‑1 odds for the Arkle, and Connell confirmed that the Arkle Chase is a primary target for next season. "He’s a true two‑miler who dislikes being restrained. He’s a slow burner, and after the Supreme he was fresh for Punchestown.
Next season we’ll start him in a beginners’ chase before the ground gets too firm, then aim for Leopardstown twice and finally Cheltenham." In the Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, Kalix Delabarriere, trained by Willie Mullins, surged clear in the final stages to win by four lengths over I'm Slippy. Mullins praised the colt, noting that after a disappointing run two years ago, the horse has finally found his stride.
"He’s a big, lovely type with a great turn of foot at the finish. We’ll likely give him a break now and look to step him up in class next season, perhaps over fences." Finally, Martin Brassil’s Abbeyglen captured the Goffs Defender Bumper, winning by five and a half lengths and earning €59,000. Brassil was thrilled with the result, saying, "He’s a big, leggy horse who performed exactly as we hoped. He’ll get a break to mature before tackling jumps.
He’s an exciting prospect with a wonderful pedigree." Brassil also gave an update on Fastorslow, noting that the staying chaser remains on the easy list and should return to training in the summer months, with plans to target autumn and winter campaigns.