Il Etait Temps secured a sixth Grade One in style as he galloped to glory in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.
The seven-year-old had won six of his previous eight chase starts, including when easily accounting for the reopposing Jonbon in the Celebration Chase over this two-mile course and distance on the final day of last term.
Sent off the 8-11 favourite, Il Etait Temps travelled with supreme ease throughout under Paul Townend and while the pace-setting Jonbon – a dual winner of this race – tried to go with him as he kicked for home on the turn, the Willie Mullins-trained runner was just too strong, coasting home nine lengths clear.
