Il Etait Temps triumphant in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle

The Willie Mullins trained Il Etait Temps was triumphant in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday in Leopardstown for owners Hollywood Syndicate and Barnane Stud. A race that set a fast pace from the outset and with six going to post, it was the five-year-old who put in a very strong performance under Danny Mullins and pulled clear to win by nine and a half lengths. 

  (L-R): Willie Mullins, Simon Kerins, Wayne Kieswetter, Adam Connolly and Danny Mullins 

Tattersalls Ireland’s Derby Sale consistently produces Grade 1 results on the track, and this weekend proved to be another successful weekend for Derby Sale graduates. 

Gerri Colombe put in a gutsy performance and stayed on well to claim victory in the Grade 1 Novices’ Chase at Sandown on Saturday. It is the son of Saddler Maker’s second Grade 1 victory since winning at Limerick last December and continues his unbeaten run for Brian Acheson and Gordon Elliott. Gerri Colombe was sold at the Derby Sale by Moanmore Stables for €85,000 to Colin Bowe. He was also sold at the Cheltenham Festival Sale to Margaret O’Toole for £240,000. 

City Chief was a comfortable five-length winner in the Grade 2 Novices’ Chase at Wetherby for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Mrs J Donnelly. The son of Soldier Of Fortune was sold at the Derby Sale by Peter Nolan Bloodstock for €36,000 to Denis Murphy and sold at the February NH Sale. He was also sold at the Cheltenham May Sale to Highflyer Bloodstock for £210,000. 

Inspections are now underway for the Derby Sale 2023.