Johannesburg – Mzansi’s time to shine on one of international horseracing’s biggest stages was certainly due, and that’s precisely what’s just happened.
Il Etait Temps (which translates from the French as “it was time”), a grey gelding racing in partnership for two South African families, won the Queen Mother Champion Chase Group 1 at the Cheltenham Festival, in England.
In non-racing parlance, that’s the equivalent of taking gold at the Olympics, as the Cheltenham Festival is regarded as the World Championships of National Hunt racing.
Il Etait Temps overcame a mistake at the final fence to power over the line on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the process recording his seventh Group 1 success over jumps.
South African-born England international cricketer Craig Kieswetter, who is among Il Etait Temps’ owners, was bowled over by what has been a tremendous comeback from the pint-sized horse.
Il Etait Temps had proved unsuccessful in three previous visits to Cheltenham and had fallen at Ascot on his most recent start.
“I’m a bit speechless, to be honest. We’ve all flown over from South Africa, we’ve got the whole family here,” Kieswetter told the UK’s Press Association.
“It’s worth standing in the cold compared to South Africa, I’m very proud of everyone, and it’s quite amazing.”
Also cracking open the bubbly were representatives of fellow owners, South Africa’s Hollywood Racing.
Devin Heffer, Hollywood Group’s brand and communications manager, was delighted.
“It’s hugely significant that owners from South Africa have cracked it with this superstar of a jump-horse. Winning at Cheltenham is like winning at the Olympics; it’s the pinnacle,” Heffer said.
“It showed that although South Africa is a small racing country, we can compete on the international stage”.
Il Etait Temps is Hollywood Racing’s first National Hunt jump horse, acquired in late 2022.
“Wednesday’s victory puts the South African racing industry firmly back in the top tier of international racing,” said Heffer.
“To have our Hollywood Racing colours shine at an event like this, with 46,000 people on-course, and millions watching from around the world, is just sensational.
“It serves to highlight the growing international footprint of South African racing partnerships.
“And it comes as preparations get into full swing for South Africa’s biggest feature race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July.”
