Il Etait Temps, widely regarded as the outstanding two-mile chaser of last season, will return to action on Thursday with the aim of defending the Clonmel Oil Chase title at Clonmel Racecourse. The Grade 2 contest, run over approximately 2m5f, has attracted four declared runners and will headline the meeting at Powerstown Park.
Trainer Willie Mullins will once again have a strong hand in the race, with Kappa Jy Pike joining last year’s winner in a compact field. Mullins has enjoyed remarkable success in the Clonmel Oil Chase, winning 10 of the last 13 renewals, including the previous four consecutive editions.
Twelve months ago, Il Etait Temps began a memorable campaign with victory at Powerstown Park. That success proved to be the starting point for an outstanding season, which included three Grade 1 victories. Among those were impressive performances in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the Champion Chase at Punchestown.
Another victory on Thursday would place Il Etait Temps among a select group of multiple winners of the Clonmel Oil Chase. The last horse to successfully defend the title was Tranquil Lake in 2011, while the remarkable Dorans Pride achieved an even greater distinction by winning the race four consecutive times between 1997 and 2000.
Clonmel Oil Chase: Four Runners Set for Thursday’s Contest
Kappa Jy Pike, also trained by Willie Mullins, is the next highest-rated runner in the field. The contender enjoyed a productive campaign last season, finishing runner-up in a Grade 1 contest and securing a Grade 3 victory.
Blaze The Way adds further interest to the line-up. Trained by Margaret Mullins, the runner recorded a Grade 3 success at Cheltenham last season and will be looking to make an impact against experienced opposition.
Completing the four-runner field is Herja, representing Mrs Frankie Griffin’s stable at Oldtown, County Dublin. The mare arrives following a third-place finish in the Racing Post Chase at Down Royal last weekend and will take on a competitive assignment at Powerstown Park.
The supporting programme will provide plenty of additional interest, with seven races scheduled throughout the afternoon.
Dinoblue Heads Supporting Programme at Clonmel
The Listed T.A. Morris Memorial Irish EBF Mares’ Chase will be another major attraction on the card, with Dinoblue among the notable names declared. A two-time Cheltenham Festival winner, Dinoblue will bring considerable quality to the contest.
Eugene Cooney, Marketing Manager of Clonmel Racecourse, highlighted the importance of the occasion, noting that this will be the 24th year of sponsorship by Clonmel Oil. He also acknowledged the continued support of the Connolly family for the racecourse’s biggest annual meeting.
The first of seven races is scheduled for 12.50pm, with several large-field contests adding depth to the afternoon programme.
Dry weather is forecast for the meeting, while live music will follow racing in the Club Stand Bar. Admission is priced at €25, including a racecard, with a reduced rate of €15 available for students and senior citizens.
With Il Etait Temps chasing another significant milestone and Willie Mullins seeking to extend his remarkable record in the contest, Thursday’s Clonmel Oil Chase promises to be the principal attraction at Powerstown Park.
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