Il Etait Temps successfully completed the Cheltenham-Punchestown Champion Chase double with victory at the Co Kildare track on Tuesday.
A small but select field contested the William Hill Champion Chase over two miles, Willie Mullins accounting for four of the field, namely Il Etait Temps, Majborough, Energumene and Blood Destiny, with Barry Connell’s former Cheltenham Festival winner Marine Nationale the other contender.
The enigmatic Majborough with Mark Walsh in the saddle and the Seán Flanagan-led Marine Nationale dominated the early stages of the Grade 1 race as they set the tempo at the front.
The Cheltenham hero, Il Etait Temps, continues in the @williamhillire Hunt for champions! @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/cMLNnHW5kZ
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026
Paul Townend on race favorite Il Etait Temps and Danny Mullins on 12-year-old Energumene, for whom it would be his final race, were third and fourth, with Brian Hayes and Blood Destiny bringing up the rear.
As the pace increased entering the final straight, Lisgoold-born Townend launched his challenge on the gray son of the late Jukebox Jury. The victory of the French breeder never seemed in doubt as he won by five lengths over Marine Nationale, the only Irish breeder in the race.
“You can’t take anything away from the winner.”@swflanagan7 on the French Navy and “a great race” from the returning star after the duo finished second in the @williamhillire Hunt for champions @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/IVrYG7S8qz
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026
The courageous Energumene took third place during his last participation on the racecourse, 23 lengths from the vice-champion. Majborough was a further 10 lengths behind in fourth, with Blood Destiny in last place, a further 19 lengths adrift of JP McManus-owned Majborough.
Willie Mullins pays tribute to 12-year-old Energumene after the fantastic chaser retired following his third appearance in the William Hill Champion Chase at @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/D0WK1XLo77
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026
The position It Was Time complete Cheltenham-Punchestown Champion Chase double appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.