II ETAIT TEMPS delivered a powerful finish to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase during day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
The victory gave trainer Willie Mullins his third win of the day at the famous racing event.
Dramatic Champion Chase Finish
Race favourite Majborough entered the contest as the odds-on pick. However, several jumping errors ruined his chances of winning.
Il Etait Temps almost made a costly mistake at the final fence. Despite the error, jockey Paul Townend managed to guide the horse safely to the finish line.
The race took place during the Festival’s first Ladies Day in five years.
Townend praised the horse’s determination after the race. He said the team had put in significant work following the horse’s previous run at Ascot Racecourse meeting.
He added that the horse showed great courage and eventually found its rhythm during the race.
Mullins Celebrates Multiple Wins
Trainer Willie Mullins revealed he noticed the moment when the race truly began to unfold.
He said Townend looked confident heading into the final bend and prepared his winning move at the perfect time.
Il Etait Temps finished ahead of outsiders including Libberty Hunter and L’eau Du Sud, which is owned by former football manager Alex Ferguson.
Early Success for Mullins
Mullins started the day strongly when King Rasko Grey won the opening race at odds of 11-1.
The horse finished ahead of Act of Innocence, ridden by Nico de Boinville.
Mullins admitted he felt disappointed with his horses’ performance in Tuesday’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. However, he said King Rasko Grey’s strong form eventually paid off.
Strong Performance in the Novices’ Chase
Mullins also secured a one-two finish in the Novices’ Chase.
Kitzbuhel produced an impressive jumping display to hold off the challenge from Final Demand.
Jockey Harry Cobden praised Kitzbuhel and described the horse as brave and determined.
Other Winners on Day Two
Trainer Nicky Henderson celebrated victory when Jingko Blue won the Handicap Hurdle ahead of Franciscan Rock.
Sadly, HMS Seahorse fell at the final hurdle. Veterinarians treated the horse on the course, but it was later euthanised. Two horses have died during the 2026 Festival so far.
Surprise Win in the Grand Annual
English trainer Venetia Williams celebrated a surprise victory when Martator won at odds of 66-1.
The nine-year-old horse, ridden by Charlie Deutsch, narrowly beat Jazzy Matty in a dramatic photo finish.
Cross Country Chase Winner
Trainer Gavin Cromwell also celebrated success.
His horse Final Orders won the Cross Country Chase after a strong jumping performance.
The horse finished ahead of favourite Favori De Champdou.
Syndicate owner Joe Deacon said the group of owners had enjoyed years of success with the horse since forming the syndicate in 2019.
He added that the team planned to celebrate the victory later that evening.
