Cheltenham Festival Day Two: Mullins Dominates as Il Etait Temps Wins Champion Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse witnessed another day of thrilling action on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with Willie Mullins emerging as the dominant trainer. Mullins secured victories in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle with King Rasko Grey and the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase with Kitzbuhel, continuing a successful streak at the 2026 Festival. The day culminated in a spectacular win for Il Etait Temps in the Champion Chase, marking Mullins’s fifth win of the festival and surpassing £1 million in prize money.

Race Results – A Day of Upsets and Dominance

Turners Novices’ Hurdle

The day began with the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle, where King Rasko Grey, ridden by Paul Townend, took the victory. Results showed No Drama This Conclude, Sober, and Zeus Power also competing.

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Following the opener, Kitzbuhel secured a win in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, further solidifying Mullins’s early success. Final Demand and Salver finished second and third respectively.

MGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

Jingko Blue, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by James Bowen, won the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle. Franciscan Rock and Storm Heart followed in second and third place.

Cross Country Chase

Final Orders, ridden by Conor Stone-Walsh, claimed victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, leading from the start and finishing ahead of Favori De Champdou and Vanillier. ESPN reported this as a win for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Champion Chase – Il Etait Temps Triumphs

The highlight of the day, the Champion Chase, saw Il Etait Temps, also trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, secure a commanding victory. The Irish Times noted that Majborough, the odds-on favorite, faltered after a poor jump, allowing Il Etait Temps to pull ahead. Libberty Hunter finished second, and L’eau De Sud came in third.

Grand Annual Handicap Chase Underway

As of 11 minutes ago, the Grand Annual Handicap Chase was underway, with a slightly chaotic start that nearly required a recall. Live updates indicated Be Aware leading the race, followed closely by Touch Me Not and Vanderpoel.

Looking Ahead

With the Champion Chase concluded, attention now turns to the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase and the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, concluding the day’s racing. The 2026 Cheltenham Festival continues to deliver excitement and unpredictable results, with Willie Mullins firmly establishing himself as a leading force.