Il Etait Temps Dominates Tingle Creek Chase, Solidifying Position as a Two-Mile Star
Il Etait Temps delivered a commanding performance at Sandown on Saturday, securing victory in the £175,000 Betfair Tingle Creek Chase and adding a second Grade 1 triumph to his record. The seven-year-old gelding, a 8/11 favourite, showcased his growing prowess and confirmed his status as a leading contender in the two-mile chase division.
Previously, Il Etait Temps demonstrated his affinity for the Sandown track with a win in the Celebration Chase last April. That victory played a crucial role in securing a second British Jump trainers’ championship for his trainer.
A Decisive Nine-Length Victory
This afternoon’s race unfolded perfectly for the son of Jukebox Jury. He travelled strongly throughout, taking the lead from Jonbon three fences from home.Subsequently, he extended his advantage with an effortless display of speed and stamina, ultimately winning by nine lengths.
This marks a second Tingle Creek Chase win for his trainer, following Un De Sceaux‘ success in 2016. Jonbon, the victor of the past two seasons, had to settle for second place this time around. L’Eau du Sud finished a further nine lengths back in third.
Trainer and Jockey Reflect on the Performance
Successful jockey Paul Townend was effusive in his praise of the winner. He noted Il Etait Temps’ transformation, stating the horse is now responding beautifully to every request. Townend admitted to previously underestimating the horse, acknowledging he’s now fully living up to his early potential.
He highlighted the horse’s newfound relaxation and trainability, a stark contrast to his earlier, more unpredictable behavior. “In years gone past, you’d be afraid to ask him for a jump,” Townend explained, “as you’d set him alight and you wouldn’t get him back.”
Looking Ahead: Plans for the Future
The winning owner indicated that future plans will be determined by the trainer. A clear strategy is already in place, and you can expect further details to emerge soon.
Nicky Henderson,trainer of Jonbon,acknowledged the winner’s superiority.He conceded that Il Etait Temps proved sharper over two miles, suggesting a potential shift in focus for Jonbon.Henderson is considering stepping Jonbon up in distance, but emphasized that all options remain open at this stage.
Dan Skelton, trainer of L’Eau du Sud, expressed satisfaction despite the third-place finish. He believes his horse wasn’t at his peak today, but remains optimistic. Skelton confirmed that L’Eau du Sud will now be targeted towards the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, with the aim of replicating his Shloer Chase form.
Key Takeaways:
* Il Etait Temps is establishing himself as a dominant force in the two-mile chase division.
* The horse’s improved temperament and trainability are key to his success.
* Trainers are already considering adjustments to their strategies based on this race’s outcome.
* the Champion Chase at Cheltenham is a likely target for several contenders.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest racing results and news.
Related reading