WILLIE MULLINS unleashed a ‘monstrous’ new talent – who was instantly made favourite for the County Hurdle on the back of his devastating debut.
Multi-millionaire owners Joe and Marie Donnelly look to have another hugely exciting prospect on their hands with Kitzbuhel.
Presumably named after the small Alpine town in Austria, Kitzbuhel was simply awesome on his first run for Mullins at Punchestown on Tuesday.
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In the famed black and white silks associated with the likes of Al Boum Photo, State Man and Sir Gino, Kitzbuhel easily disposed of the 146-rated 6-4 fav Colonel Mustard off level weights.
Sent off 3-1 under Paul Townend, Kitzbuhel made all in style, kicking clear of his established rival to win the 2m½f hurdle by three-and-three-quarter lengths.
Only four, he is the latest on the long production line from France.
The country seems to have a knack for making ready-to-go hurdlers – see former Triumph winners Vauban and Majborough.
Kitzbuhel arrived at Mullins’ Closutton yard having won one of three over the Channel before being snapped up by bloodstock agent Harold Kirk.
But he looked a potential world beater on this debut – matching the hype around the Donnellys’ other new hurdling star Anzadam.
William Hill traders decided they had seen enough after Kitzbuhel’s first run for Mullins.
They instantly made him 10-1 favourite for the County Hurdle – famously won in 2022 by the now 169-rated State Man off just 141.
Funnily enough Colonel Mustard finished third in that same race.
Punters were blown away by Kitzbuhel’s professionalism.
One wrote: “That performance from Kitzbuhel is just monstrous! He is only a 4-year-old and has convincingly beat a 146-rated Colonel Mustard on debut for Willie Mullins.”
Another posted: “Stunning horse, nice performance. Will be seeing more of this one, that’s for sure!”
While jockey Townend offered a glimpse into the future when he said after the race: “He was very professional.
“I think Kitzbuhel will stay further, he surprised me the way he quickened into the straight.”
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