The Paddy Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps Il Etait Temps was a shock winner yesterday of the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over two miles running in the colours of the Hollywood Syndicate.
Hollywood lease Il Etatit Temps in partnership with Barnane Stud, which is owned by the Kieswetters of Ridgemont Highlands.
Il Etait Temps’ stablemate Facile Vega was widely expected to triumph as the 4-9 favourite.
However, Facile Vega faded quickly after turning for home, whereas Il Etait Temps was able to accelerate under Danny Mullins to stun onlookers with a nine-and-a-half-length success at 14-1.
Facile Vega is the daughter of the legendary Mullins-trained Quevega, who created a Cheltenham record by winning the Grade David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle an incredible six times in succession.
Both Il Etait Temps and Facile Vega are bound for the Cheltenham Festival.
The most likely race they will contest is the Grade 1 Supreme Novices Hurdle over two miles and 87 yards.
Il Etait Temps is a best 6/1 fourth favourite for that race, while Facile Vega is at a best 5/1 second favourite.
Both horses are also in the betting for the Grade 1 Ballymore Novices Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs, but their career record to date suggests they will go for the shorter race.
On Saturday Hollywood and Barnane Stud had a Grade 1 fifth place finish with the Mullins-trained Gust Of Wind in the Donohue Marquees Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
He is a best priced 40/1 for the Cheltenham Festival’s Triumph Hurdle.
