Temps team to take patient approach after Ascot fall

Il Etait Temps has been given a clean bill of health following his fall at Ascot on Saturday.

The Willie Mullins-trained grey had won six of his last seven races, with five of them at the highest level.

Il Etait Temps was sent off the 2-5 favourite in the Clarence House Chase but looked beaten when falling at the second last, with the gelding taking some time to rise to his feet after being winded.

“The team at Ascot looked after him very well. Paul (Townend) stayed with him the whole time, which is a sign of a good horseman obviously,” said Ross Doyle, racing manager for owners Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud.

“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.”