Willie Mullins sent a powerful message in the race for the British trainers' championship as his charge, Il Etait Temps, delivered a stunning performance to win the prestigious Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park on Saturday. The 8-11 favourite, ridden by Paul Townend, powered clear to secure a commanding nine-length victory over the two-time defending champion, Jonbon.
A Commanding Display from the Favourite
The race shaped up as the anticipated three-way battle between the market leaders. Jonbon, seeking a historic third consecutive win in the race, set the early pace with L'Eau Du Sud and Il Etait Temps tracking closely. All three jumped with precision in the high-stakes, two-mile contest where a single error can prove costly.
However, the dynamic shifted decisively as the field turned for home. Jockey Paul Townend, positioned perfectly on the inside rail, asked Il Etait Temps for an effort approaching the Pond fence. The response was immediate and emphatic. Il Etait Temps quickened clear between the final two obstacles and crossed the line an eased-down, nine-length winner. Jonbon finished a gallant second, with Dan Skelton's L'Eau Du Sud in third.
Festival Targets and Trainer Triumphs
This victory marked a remarkable seventh win in just nine starts over fences for Il Etait Temps, with five of those successes coming at the highest Grade One level. The win followed his previous defeat of Jonbon in the Celebration Chase at this track back in April, after a season largely spent on the sidelines.
Bookmakers were quick to react, slashing his odds for next year's Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Il Etait Temps is now a 4-1 joint-favourite alongside last year's winner, Marine Nationale, and his own stablemate, Majborough. The result also highlighted the intense rivalry between trainers Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton in the race for the UK championship.
Lulamba Impresses in Henry VIII Novice Chase
The supporting card at Sandown also produced a standout performance in the Grade One Henry VIII Novice Chase. The Nicky Henderson-trained four-year-old, Lulamba, put in a breathtaking display under jockey Nico de Boinville. After finding his rhythm, the horse surged to the front down the back straight and pulled away to win by nine and a half lengths from Be Aware, with De Boinville barely moving in the saddle.
"I've gone from being pushed around by other horses, to being able to push them around," said a delighted De Boinville. "That just shows how much he's got under the bonnet." Trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed that the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival is now the clear target, with a potential prep run in either the Kingmaker at Warwick or the Game Spirit at Newbury in February.
Other Notable Results from the Card
The day was not without surprises for punters. The opening race saw the 4-7 favourite, Sober Glory, finish a well-beaten fourth behind the impressive winner, Hurricane Pat. Trained by Gary and Josh Moore, Hurricane Pat scored by nearly six lengths and was introduced into the betting for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Meanwhile, over at Aintree, the Becher Chase provided a thrilling finish. Ben Pauling's 18-1 shot, Twig, edged out the favourite Mr Vango in the final stride to claim victory over the Grand National fences.
Overall, the day belonged to the favourites at Sandown, with Il Etait Temps and Lulamba underlining their elite credentials and setting the stage for an exciting second half of the National Hunt season.
