All-the-way Kitzbuhel scintillating in Kauto Star

Kitzbuhel produced a superb front-running display to give Willie Mullins a first victory in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park.

A Grade Three-winning hurdler and a decisive scorer on his chasing debut at Punchestown last month, Kitzbuhel was the 13-8 favourite stepping up in trip and class for this three-mile Grade One and was soon bowling along at the head of affairs in the hands of Paul Townend.

While chief market rivals Wendigo and Thomas Mor appeared to be struggling to keep up on this speed-favouring track, Kitzbuhel got into a perfect rhythm on the lead and produced some prodigious leaps in the back straight to leave the chasing pack on the back foot.

Eventual runner-up Thomas Mor briefly threatened to close the gap rounding the home turn, but Kitzbuhel was not for catching and although he stood a long way off the final obstacle he safely made it to the other side to put the seal on a visually impressive two-and-three-quarter-length success.

Mullins said: “He galloped and jumped and looking at that he could easily go back to two and a half miles.

“Some of the jumps he put in were spectacular and he looked like an old hand. Paul rode him with so much confidence. If he could keep up that for the rest of the season it would be fantastic.

“You’re hoping they just keep jumping and don’t make a mistake that lets the field back into the race. I was afraid of Paul Nicholls and his horse (Blueking d’Oroux), but he just didn’t seem to jump well round here and then Thomas Mor came with a rattle. He missed the second-last a little bit and we were better at the last and in the end we’ve finished happy.”

He went on: “We’ve a nice team of novice chasers and hopefully they stay sound. I imagine you’ll be looking at the Dublin Racing Festival or an equivalent over here – maybe the Scilly Isles or something like that.

“All those things are in the mix and we’ll have to see how it all plays out over Christmas and then sit down and figure all that out.”

Townend enjoyed King George success on his festive visit to Kempton 12 months ago and was delighted to be once again in the Sunbury winner’s enclosure.

“It was brilliant and to jump so well round a place like Kempton as a novice is a huge help. He winged the first and I was able to just dictate after that,” said the jockey.

“I wouldn’t know a lot about riding one like this round here as I haven’t been here all that often, but it looked the right thing to do on him and thankfully it worked out.”