Il Etait Temps showcased an exceptional performance in the prestigious Tingle Creek Chase, representing a remarkable milestone for the team.
Topics covered
The Tingle Creek Chase, a prominent event in the jump racing calendar, featured an exhilarating competition at Sandown Park on Saturday. This race, with a substantial prize purse of £175,000, drew top competitors eager to showcase their skills. Notably, Il Etait Temps distinguished himself, securing victory under the expert guidance of jockey Paul Townend.
At just seven years old, Il Etait Temps has already proven himself a seasoned contender, having previously won the Celebration Chase at Sandown. This victory contributed to trainer Willie Mullins’ success in last year’s British Jump trainers’ championship. This latest win marked his second Grade 1 victory and underscored his development as a formidable racer.
Race overview
The atmosphere at Sandown was electric as the race commenced. Il Etait Temps quickly established himself as a key player, taking the lead from rival Jonbon, owned by J.P. McManus, with three fences remaining. Demonstrating remarkable speed, he surged ahead, ultimately finishing with a comfortable nine-length lead.
This victory was particularly significant for Mullins, who had previously celebrated success in this race with his star horse Un De Sceaux in 2016. The reigning champion, Jonbon, who had won the Tingle Creek for two consecutive years, finished in second place this time, illustrating the competitive nature of the event.
Insights from the winning team
Paul Townend’s commentary
After the race, an elated Townend shared his thoughts, stating, “He is tiny, but he answered every question I asked of him today.” His admiration for Il Etait Temps was evident as he highlighted the horse’s transformation in recent races, noting, “In years gone past, you’d be afraid to ask him for a jump because you’d set him alight.” This change in temperament allowed him to navigate the race with ease, ultimately leading to his victory.
Trainer reflections
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Jonbon, acknowledged the challenge posed by Il Etait Temps, indicating that the race underscored their need to consider new strategies moving forward. He remarked, “When the winner beat us here last year, it was at the end of a long season.” This time, they would need to reassess their approach, particularly given the solid performance demonstrated by their competitor.
Meanwhile, Dan Skelton, whose horse L’Eau du Sud finished third, expressed satisfaction despite not performing at their best. He indicated plans for L’Eau du Sud to advance to the Champion Chase next, aiming for peak form in upcoming challenges.
Looking ahead: the Cheltenham Festival
Il Etait Temps’s performance at Sandown positions him as a strong contender for the upcoming Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, where he is now listed as a 7/2 favorite. His consistent form, having won six of his last eight races over fences, makes him a notable threat. Townend’s strategic riding and the horse’s capability to maintain a strong pace indicate promising prospects for the future.
As the racing season intensifies, all eyes will be on the developments leading up to Cheltenham. The competition is heating up, and the performances at Sandown have set the stage for an exciting series of races ahead. Trainers and jockeys are regrouping and analyzing their strategies, promising thrilling equestrian spectacles in the near future.
