Il Etait Temps was the first past the post in a dramatic renewal of the 2026 Queen Mother Champion Chase.
The complexion of flagship two-mile steeplechase of the Cheltenham Festival had changed after the late withdrawal of last year’s winner Marine Nationale. Nevertheless, there was enough quality to deem the contestant a fascinating spectacle and the winner provided the Cheltenham crowd with a compelling performance.
The silver medal was awarded to Libberty Hunter, who ran a massive race, with L’Eau du Sud a gallant effort in third.
Il Etait Temps electric in coveted day two Champion Chase
Ten runners were declared to become a part of an illustrious roll of steeplechasing honours at Prestbury Park. Despite the late defections of Marine Nationale and Jonbon, strong favourite Majborough still had something to prove. The 2024 Arkle second had a tendency to blot his chances with an error, but the fitting of cheek-pieces at Leopardstown transformed him. With the aids reapplied, JP McManus looked in pole position to gain a belated first Champion Chase.
Il Etait Temps was another looking to break his Cheltenham duck, having been beaten at three previous festivals. L’eau du Sud was behind Majborough in the Arkle, and connections believed sending him here fresh would give him the best chance.
The Hartys boldly skipped the Arkle with Irish Panther, deeming the Champion Chase as an easier option. Quilixios was returning from a 364 day lay-off, having last been seen falling when in contention in last year’s contest.
In the contest, the crowd witnessed a dramatic affair.
Favourite Majborough became the sixth odds-on market leader in a row to lose in the Champion Chase. The six-year-old revisited old habits of poor jumping having tried to make all.
He was not involved in the finish and those close to the pace paid too. Il Etait Temps and Paul Townend, meanwhile, had bided their time.
Their move was delayed until the turn for home, from which the little grey’s turn of foot was too strong. He briefly gave his punters a fright when stumbling on landing after the last, but recovered to win by a wide margin.
Libberty Hunter ran on extremely well from the back to be a surprise second, collaring L’Eau du Sud, who was third for the Skeltons.