CONNECTIONS of Willie Mullins’ superstar chaser Il Etait Temps have delivered an update after his awful Ascot fall.
Punters feared the worse and were left ‘feeling sick’ initially when screens were put up round the grey after his fall two from home in Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Il Etait Temps is up on his feet – the best news of the day! pic.twitter.com/1aGS2vwEab
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 17, 2026
Sent off 2-5, Champion Chase hope Il Etait Temps never looked truly happen under Paul Townend and was running out of puff nearing the end of the 2m contest won by Jonbon.
Those at the Berkshire track and watching on ITV held their breath as they waited to see the Tingle Creek winner back on his feet.
Fortunately he did resurface after being tended to – delivering the news that only really mattered.
And now Ross Doyle, racing manager for owners Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud, has delivered a comprehensive update on his condition.
He said: “The team at Ascot looked after him very well.
“Paul stayed with him the whole time, which is a sign of a good horseman obviously.
“Thankfully he got up and they were very happy with him when they got him back into Closutton as he was straight into his feed, looking bright and alert.
“We’re all very pleased about that, obviously it’s a big relief as when they stay down it’s a huge worry but he was so well looked after by everyone.
“I’m delighted for the owners and everyone at the yard that he got up and he’s in one piece.
“He lives to fight another day.
“It was nothing to do with the ground (why he was beaten), Paul just said he didn’t feel himself for whatever reason, unfortunately.
“Willie will freshen him up and come up with a plan.
“We’ll let the dust settle and let Willie and the team have a good look at him.”
With 50 days away there is a chance, all being well, that Il Etait Temps could still run at the Festival.
Bookies pushed him out to 8-1 from around 3-1 for the day two feature as a result of his Ascot setback.
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