Il Etait Temps Dominates Punchestown to Cement Status as Two-Mile Champion

On a sun-drenched Tuesday at the Punchestown Festival, Il Etait Temps delivered a masterclass in speed and resilience, storming to victory in the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase and completing a rare Cheltenham-Punchestown double. The diminutive grey, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, left his rivals trailing in his wake, reaffirming his place as the undisputed king of the two-mile chasing division.

The Race That Defined a Champion

Sent off as the 8-11 favourite, Il Etait Temps faced early pressure from Marine Nationale, the 2025 Punchestown-Cheltenham double winner who had missed this year’s Cheltenham Festival due to injury. The pair engaged in a tactical duel from the outset, with Marine Nationale setting a blistering pace in an attempt to test the favourite’s stamina.

Il Etait Temps, however, showed his class when it mattered most. After a brief stumble at the third fence—a moment that briefly raised doubts—he regained his composure and cruised into contention. By the time the field turned for home, Townend’s mount was traveling with the effortless grace of a horse in a different league. A smooth leap at the final fence sealed the deal, and Il Etait Temps crossed the line five lengths clear of Marine Nationale, with Energumene a distant third.

“The mistake probably put me in the right position, but I could’ve done without the fright at the same time!” Townend admitted after the race. “Mine stays and I was in a rhythm—no demand for heroics at the last two. It was brilliant. He’s progressed lovely. He’s not sizeable by any means, but nobody’s told him that.”

A Season of Redemption and Resilience

Il Etait Temps’ path to this triumph was far from smooth. After a dominant Queen Mother Champion Chase victory at Cheltenham in March, the grey faced a mid-season setback when he suffered a tired fall at Ascot in January. The incident left connections concerned about his recovery, but the horse’s determination to bounce back has been nothing short of remarkable.

“He took a worryingly long time to rise from that fall,” Mullins later reflected. “The toughness to come back from that, allied to the obvious class he showed at Cheltenham and here, leaves him as the speed category’s benchmark performer for next season.”

With this win, Il Etait Temps has now eight Grade 1 victories to his name, including back-to-back triumphs in the two most prestigious two-mile chases on the National Hunt calendar. His odds for next year’s Champion Chase have already been slashed to 2-1 with some bookmakers, a testament to his dominance.

Energumene Bows Out in Style

While Il Etait Temps stole the headlines, the day was also marked by the emotional retirement of Energumene, the 12-year-old stablemate who had previously achieved the same Cheltenham-Punchestown double in 2022 and 2023. The veteran, who finished third in the Champion Chase, was immediately retired after the race, ending a career that included 14 wins from 23 starts, including two victories in this very race during his prime.

“Energumene was a star. He’s been a brilliant horse,” Townend said. “They were bloodless wins in the Champion Chases, and we were glad to have him.”

Mullins Extends His Lead in Trainers’ Championship

The victory was the latest in a stellar season for Willie Mullins, who saddled four of the five runners in the Champion Chase. The win also saw him overtake Gordon Elliott in the race to be crowned champion trainer for the season, further cementing his status as the most dominant force in National Hunt racing.

“It’s been an incredible season,” Mullins said. “To have horses like Il Etait Temps and Energumene in the yard is a privilege. They’ve given us so many memories, and this win today is just the icing on the cake.”

What’s Next for Il Etait Temps?

With the National Hunt season drawing to a close, attention will now turn to next year’s campaign. Il Etait Temps is expected to enjoy a well-earned summer break before returning to action in the autumn, with the 2027 Champion Chase already circled as his primary target.

“He’s got the speed, the class, and the heart,” Townend said. “If he stays sound, he’ll be very hard to beat again next year.”

Key Takeaways from the William Hill Champion Chase

• Il Etait Temps won the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase by five lengths, completing a Cheltenham-Punchestown double.
• The grey was sent off at 8-11 odds, the shortest price of the day, and justified his favouritism with a dominant display.
• Marine Nationale finished second, while Energumene—competing in his final race—took third.
• Il Etait Temps has now won eight Grade 1 races, including back-to-back Champion Chases at Cheltenham and Punchestown.
• Willie Mullins extended his lead in the trainers’ championship, with the victory marking another milestone in a stellar season.
• Energumene was retired after the race, ending a career that included 14 wins from 23 starts.

FAQs

What is the William Hill Champion Chase?

The William Hill Champion Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt race run over two miles at the Punchestown Festival in Ireland. It is one of the most prestigious races in the two-mile chasing division, often featuring the top horses from the Cheltenham Festival.

How many times has Il Etait Temps won at Punchestown?

Il Etait Temps has now won the William Hill Champion Chase twice—once in 2026 and previously in an earlier season. His victory in 2026 also marked his second consecutive win in the race, following his triumph at Cheltenham.

Who trains Il Etait Temps?

Il Etait Temps is trained by Willie Mullins, the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival. Mullins has dominated National Hunt racing for over a decade, with a string of champions including Faugheen, Douvan, and Al Boum Photo.

What are Il Etait Temps’ odds for next year’s Champion Chase?

Following his dominant performance at Punchestown, Il Etait Temps is already 2-1 with some bookmakers to win the 2027 Champion Chase at Cheltenham. His odds are expected to shorten further as the season approaches.

Why was Energumene retired?

Energumene was retired after finishing third in the 2026 William Hill Champion Chase. The 12-year-old had enjoyed a stellar career, winning 14 of his 23 starts, including two victories in this race during his prime. His retirement was a poignant moment, marking the end of an era for one of Mullins’ most beloved horses.

The Future of Two-Mile Chasing

Il Etait Temps’ victory at Punchestown has set the stage for an exciting 2027 season. With Marine Nationale likely to return as his chief rival and a new generation of chasers emerging, the two-mile division promises to be as competitive as ever. For now, though, the crown belongs to Il Etait Temps—a horse whose blend of speed, resilience, and sheer class has made him the benchmark for years to come.

As the sun set on another thrilling Punchestown Festival, one thing was clear: the two-mile chasing division has found its king.