Il Etait Temps Achieves Remarkable Victory in the Prestigious Tingle Creek Chase
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UPDATE AT 12:00 PM: In a significant achievement, Il Etait Temps won the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, securing another prestigious title. The seven-year-old gelding, ridden by jockey Paul Townend, finished with a comfortable nine-length lead.
This victory marks Il Etait Temps’s second Grade 1 win, having previously triumphed in the Celebration Chase at the same venue. Under the guidance of trainer Willie Mullins, this success further solidifies Mullins’ status as a leading figure in British jump racing.
The facts
During the race, Il Etait Temps took the lead from notable competitor Jonbon, owned by J.P. McManus, with three fences remaining. Despite Jonbon’s efforts, Il Etait Temps demonstrated superior strength and agility, ultimately leaving his rivals behind as he cruised to victory.
Impressions from the jockey
After the race, Townend expressed satisfaction with Il Etait Temps’s performance. He stated, “He may be small, but he answered every challenge I presented. I previously hesitated to ask him for a jump due to his unpredictable nature, but today, he was relaxed and responsive.” This newfound confidence has transformed the horse into a formidable contender.
Trainer insights and future plans
In a post-race interview, trainer Nicky Henderson, who guides Jonbon, acknowledged Il Etait Temps’s strong performance. He noted that while Jonbon had previously excelled in this race, Il Etait Temps’s current form necessitates a reassessment of future strategies. Henderson remarked, “Given today’s outcome, we may need to consider venturing into longer distances with Jonbon in upcoming races.”
Trainer Dan Skelton, who oversees third-placed L’Eau du Sud, emphasized his horse’s potential while recognizing they were not at their best that day. He stated, “Our goal is to prepare him for the Champion Chase, aiming to recapture the form he showed during the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham.”
Owner’s perspective
Wayne Kieswetter, co-owner of Il Etait Temps, shared his excitement about the horse’s future. He likened a potential victory at the Cheltenham Festival to his son Craig winning the T20 World Cup with England in. “Being part of this journey is truly extraordinary. This horse is a once-in-a-lifetime find,” he expressed.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Il Etait Temps, who is currently favored to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase. His impressive track record positions him as a significant contender in competitive racing.
With the support of his owners and connections, the future looks promising for Il Etait Temps as he continues to make an impact in the racing scene.
