Reporter: Tony Keenan
The Punchestown Champion Chase confirmed Il Etait Temps as the best two-mile chaser around as he brought his record to five wins from six starts outside of novice company. He was value for more than the margin too, having overcome jumping errors.
had been held up during his Cheltenham win, though Paul Townend opted to go forward but a mistake at the third and a slow jump at the fourth caused him to lose his position. From midfield, he gradually made ground to lead going best after three out but then made another error two and still won by margin. He should continue to hard to beat in these races and is versatile with trip, ground and track these days.
has had an interrupted season, and Barry Connell went with first-time cheekpieces to make him sharper at the start. He got away well this time and jumped fluently throughout in the lead but had no answer for the winner in the straight.
has run well this spring but is not up to this level anymore and was retired afterwards.
has not lived up to his wide-margin DRF success in two starts since, heavy ground there seemingly important to him at this trip. He made a few errors here, and was inclined to adjust left, but made no serious mistakes. He may go up in trip next season.
is not up to this level.
