Connections of Il Etait Temps are delighted with their star performer ahead of the Punchestown Festival. The diminutive Queen Mother Champion Chase hero will bid for a champion double at Ireland’s season-ending jumps meeting next week.
Ever the overperforming underdog, Il Etait Temps was not even Willie Mullins’ most-fancied runner in the Champion Chase. That honour was bestowed upon favourite Majborough. However, when that rival faltered in the jumping department, Il Etait Temps was there to readily make amends. Despite a mistake at the final fence, he swanned clear up the Cheltenham Hill.
That win made it eight from 11 starts over fences. In that time, he has claimed the scalps of Grey Dawning, Jonbon and Gaelic Warrior among others. He beat the Gold Cup winner at Punchestown two seasons ago.
One more prize awaits him this season. The Punchestown Champion Chase is the highlight on day one of the track’s conclusive festival. Despite his Cheltenham demolition, Il Etait Temps will not be a runaway favourite.
“Il Etait Temps seems very adaptable” – Ross Doyle
Connections of the eight-year-old do not take their position in the sport lightly. There is recognition from all at the privilege of owning such a horse.
Ross Doyle, who is racing manager to owners Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud, said to the Racing Post: “Il Etait Temps seems very adaptable and is able to handle most tracks. He’s won at Leopardstown, Punchestown, Cheltenham, Aintree and Sandown.
“He’s a dream to be involved with and the horse of a lifetime. The owners realise that. It’s the biggest thrill they’ve had in ownership.”
Doyle also confirmed that Il Etait Temps is on course for next week’s showdown. Marine Nationale and Majborough may both oppose in a titanic opening day contest.
“Punchestown is the plan,” Doyle continued. “It was an unbelievable performance from everyone involved at Cheltenham. To do what he did in the Champion Chase was unreal, and it’s huge credit to Willie and everyone at Closutton.”
That Cheltenham performance will live long in the memory. For all the horse was took the headlines, Doyle is keen to creit trainer and jockey too.
“Willie took the hood off him as he thought it might just help, and Paul gave him what I thought was one of the rides of the decade. It was outstanding.
“They’re two cool customers. It shows the respect Paul has for the horse, being able to ride him like that, and he was quietly confident he could come back to himself.”