Il Était Temps Put Up an Unbeatable Show at Sandown Park
Il Était Temps left his rivals in the dust as he claimed a sixth Grade One victory in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park. The seven-year-old has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, having won six of his previous eight chase starts.
Sent off as the 8-11 favourite, Il Était Temps took to the two-mile course with ease, with Jonbon - who was attempting to reclaim his title in the race - struggling to keep up. Despite a spirited effort from the dual winner, Il Était Temps proved too strong, crossing the finish line nine lengths clear.
Jockey Paul Townend was ecstatic with the performance of his mount, stating that he "went through the race really easily." He praised Il Était Temps for his maturity and versatility, saying that the horse can be asked to jump early without being over-stressed. This has enabled him to become a top-class competitor in his division.
Il Était Temps now leads the way in the Queen Mother Champion Chase market with Coral, having previously struggled at the Cheltenham Festival. Winning the Tingle Creek Chase would cement his status as one of the leading players in this division.
For Wayne Kieswetter, part-owner of Il Était Temps, a Cheltenham Festival win would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, drawing comparisons to his son Craig's victory in the 2010 T20 World Cup with England. A win at Sandown Park has brought joy not only to Kieswetter but also to fans back in South Africa, who have been following their Flat racing fortunes through the exploits of Il Était Temps.
The victory comes as a testament to the partnership between Willie Mullins and his talented horses. With Il Était Temps set to run in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork tomorrow, expectations are high for another impressive display from the seven-year-old.
Il Était Temps left his rivals in the dust as he claimed a sixth Grade One victory in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park. The seven-year-old has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, having won six of his previous eight chase starts.
Sent off as the 8-11 favourite, Il Était Temps took to the two-mile course with ease, with Jonbon - who was attempting to reclaim his title in the race - struggling to keep up. Despite a spirited effort from the dual winner, Il Était Temps proved too strong, crossing the finish line nine lengths clear.
Jockey Paul Townend was ecstatic with the performance of his mount, stating that he "went through the race really easily." He praised Il Était Temps for his maturity and versatility, saying that the horse can be asked to jump early without being over-stressed. This has enabled him to become a top-class competitor in his division.
Il Était Temps now leads the way in the Queen Mother Champion Chase market with Coral, having previously struggled at the Cheltenham Festival. Winning the Tingle Creek Chase would cement his status as one of the leading players in this division.
For Wayne Kieswetter, part-owner of Il Était Temps, a Cheltenham Festival win would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, drawing comparisons to his son Craig's victory in the 2010 T20 World Cup with England. A win at Sandown Park has brought joy not only to Kieswetter but also to fans back in South Africa, who have been following their Flat racing fortunes through the exploits of Il Était Temps.
The victory comes as a testament to the partnership between Willie Mullins and his talented horses. With Il Était Temps set to run in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork tomorrow, expectations are high for another impressive display from the seven-year-old.