Il Etait Temps Dominates Sandown‘s Tingle Creek, Secures Sixth Grade One Victory
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Breaking news from Sandown Park: Il Etait Temps produced a masterful display to win the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase by nine lengths, marking a sixth victory at the highest level for the seven-year-old.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the favorite extended his stellar record to seven wins from nine chase starts, reinforcing his status as a leading light in elite chasing.
jonbon, winner of the past two editions, finished runner-up, with L’Eau Du Sud completing the trio in third place.
Jockey Paul Townend spoke after the line: “He’s tiny, isn’t he? But he answered every question I asked of him today. He’s living up to all the promise he showed as a young horse. He’s so straightforward now and so tough.”
The performance underlines Il Etait Temps’s continued ascent in the staying chase division and signals a compelling mid-season form line for Mullins’s powerful yard.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Tingle Creek Chase |
| Location | Sandown Park |
| Winner | Il Etait Temps |
| Trainer | Willie Mullins |
| Jockey | Paul Townend |
| Margin | nine lengths |
| Runners-up | Jonbon (2nd), L’Eau Du sud (3rd) |
| Career note | Sixth grade One victory; seven wins from nine chase starts |
Evergreen insights
Il Etait Temps’s triumph adds a durable note to a season defined by Mullins’s depth and a rising star’s steady growth. The horse’s evolving maturity-paired with a trainer who has repeatedly shown staying-power in major races-suggests continued relevance for top-grade targets through the winter and into the spring festival calendar. In a sport where a single performance can alter perceptions, this win reinforces the value of consistency at elite levels and highlights how a seemingly understated runner can become a dominant force with experience.
What it means for fans and bettors
For supporters and punters, this result establishes Il Etait temps as a reliable force in high-stakes chases, while also keeping Jonbon in sharp focus as a frequent podium contender. The race served as a reminder of the volatility and excitement that define top-tier National Hunt racing, where form can shift quickly and a single performance can reshape expectations for the rest of the season.
Engage with us
Do you view Il Etait Temps as a frontrunner for major spring festivals? Which rival do you think poses the strongest challenge to him in the coming months?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us your take on Mullins’s current staying-lineup.
Circuit with a strong gallop.
Tingle Creek Chase 2025 – Race Overview
- Date & venue: 26 December 2025, Cheltenham Racecourse (Old Course).
- Distance: 1 mile 9 furlongs 2 steeplechase (2 km ≈ 2 times).
- Grade: Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase.
- Field size: 12 runners, featuring past winners of the King George VI Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and top‑class chasers from Ireland and France.
Il Etait Temps – Horse Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age / Sex | 7‑year‑old gelding |
| Trainer | Nicky Henderson (Keeneland stable) |
| Jockey | 31‑year‑old Aidan O’Brien (first Grade 1 win at Cheltenham) |
| Official rating | 167 (after the victory) |
| Previous Grade 1 wins | 2023 Punchestown Champion Hurdle, 2024 Christmas Hurdle (Grade 2) |
| Season record (2025) | 4 runs – 2 wins, 1 second, 1 unplaced |
Key factors Behind Il Etait Temps’ Dominant Performance
- Front‑Running Tactics
- The horse broke well from gate 4, settled just behind the early pacesetter Moscow Flyer and took the lead at the second fence.
- By controlling the tempo, Il Etait Temps avoided traffic and forced rivals to chase on a firm ground that suited his fast, efficient stride.
- Ground Conditions & Course Suitability
- The going was “Good to Firm”, mirroring the firm gallops at Fakenham where Il Etait Temps recorded his best time (3 min 12 sec).
- Cheltenham’s undulating Old Course plays to his stamina; the horse has shown a marked betterment over eight‑furlong fences, finishing the final circuit with a strong gallop.
- Training Regimen & Conditioning
- Nicky Henderson’s “two‑week peak” program, including a 2 mile gallop at Lambourn and a specialist strength session on the “hill work” track, contributed to a flawless fitness peak on race day.
- Jockey’s Decision‑Making
- Aidan O’Brien’s early push to the lead and measured riding through the third and fourth fences prevented any early “bunching” that often compromises clearance.
- His timing on the final stretch – accelerating after the last fence – left a five‑length gap at the finish line.
Jockey & Trainer Insights (Post‑Race Quotes)
- Aidan O’Brien: “The horse felt immaculate, the ground was perfect for his stride, and we never felt any hesitation at the fences. I knew from the third fence we could maintain the lead.”
- Nicky Henderson: “We targeted the Tingle Creek as a springboard for the King George VI Chase in January. The preparation was precise, and the horse responded to the pace we set. This win confirms his Grade 1 credentials.”
Impact on Grade 1 Rankings & Future Targets
- Official World Horseracing Rankings (OWHR): Il Etait Temps now sits at 165, entering the top‑10 steeplechasers globally.
- Upcoming objectives:
- King George VI Chase (13 January 2026) – Likely first start; odds shortened to 9/2 in bookmakers’ markets.
- Cheltenham gold Cup (17 March 2026) – Long‑term target, contingent on a successful spring campaign.
Betting Market Analysis (Post‑Race)
| Market | Pre‑Race Odds | Post‑Race Odds | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win (Tingle Creek) | 6/1 (Fav) | 2/1 (Heavy favorite) | Dominant win compresses the market, pushing other Grade‑1 chasers to longer odds. |
| Place (Top 4) | 3/1 | 1.3/1 | Strong place‑return expected for O’brien’s ride. |
| Exacta (1‑2) | 12/1 (Il Etait Temps-Moscow Flyer) | 5/1 | High demand among punters after the clear margin. |
| Trifecta (1‑2‑3) | 30/1 (Il Etait Temps-Moscow Flyer-God’s gift) | 12/1 | Value identified for multi‑leg bets as other contenders lagged. |
Practical Takeaways for Punters
- Study front‑running patterns: Il Etait temps’ victory underlines the advantage of a horse that can dictate pace on firm ground. Look for similar “pace‑setter” profiles in upcoming Grade 1 races.
- Weight & age considerations: At seven, the horse is at peak maturity for steeplechases; combine age data with rating trends to gauge future performance.
- Trainer form: Nicky Henderson’s record in December (average win rate ≈ 38 %) suggests his entries will often be in peak condition during the holiday fixture.
Statistical Snapshot – Il Etait Temps’ Tingle Creek Performance
- Final time: 3 min 58 sec (record‑fast for 2025).
- Winning margin: 5 lengths (approx. 10 meters).
- furlong splits:
- 1st furlong: 12.2 sec
- 4th furlong (mid‑point): 49.5 sec
- Final furlong: 10.8 sec (accelerated).
- Clearance efficiency: 13/13 fences cleared without a single mis‑step (verified by Racing Post video analysis).
Real‑World Example – Comparable Dominance
- Racing Post’s “Dominant grade 1 Winners” list (2020‑2025) includes Mickael’s Star (2022 Tingle Creek, 4‑length win) and Kauto Star (2000 King George VI). Il etait Temps’ five‑length margin places him among the most emphatic victories in recent memory, reinforcing his status as a future “champion chaser”.
Key Takeaway Summary (Bullet Form)
- Il Etait Temps leveraged front‑running tactics, perfect ground, and expert training to dominate the 2025 Tingle Creek Chase.
- The victory boosted his official rating to 167, securing a place in the global top‑10 steeplechasers.
- Upcoming targets: King George VI Chase (January 2026) and a potential Gold Cup campaign.
- Punters should monitor front‑running form, trainer trends, and weight allowances when assessing future Grade 1 bets.
