'He's just a dream to be involved with' - Il Etait Temps camp excited for huge two-mile showdown at Punchestown

'He's just a dream to be involved with' - Il Etait Temps camp excited for two-mile showdown at Punchestown

Il Etait Temps and Paul Townend after the Champion Chase

Paul Townend gives Il Etait Temps a pat after their Champion Chase victoryCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

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Connections of Champion Chase hero Il Etait Temps are excited about their "horse of a lifetime" clashing with Marine Nationale and Majborough in a day-one festival showdown at Punchestown on Tuesday.

Il Etait Temps will be returning to the course and distance over which he beat this season's Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior two years ago in the William Hill Champion Chase and Ross Doyle, racing manager to owners Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud, said: "Punchestown is the plan.

"It was an unbelievable performance from everyone involved at Cheltenham. To do what he did in the Champion Chase was unreal, and it's huge credit to Willie and everyone at Closutton."

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Conor FennellyReporter

Published on 23 April 2026inPunchestown festival

Last updated 17:27, 23 April 2026

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