Kempton Park witnessed a performance of rare polish on the opening day of its festive meeting as Kitzbuhel announced himself at the highest level with a commanding victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden with calm authority by Paul Townend, the grey produced a round of jumping that drew admiration long before the result was settled.
Arriving with strong novice credentials, Kitzbuhel was positive from flagfall, dictating his own rhythm and setting a searching yet controlled pace over three miles. His fencing was fluent throughout, each leap gaining ground and confidence, and by the time the field turned for home the outcome was already tilting firmly in his favour.
Townend allowed his mount to stretch on between the final fences, and although rivals tried to close late, none could bridge the gap. Kitzbuhel met the last with the same assurance as the first and powered clear on the run-in to defeat Thomas Mor by just under three lengths, underlining both stamina and class in equal measure.
Mullins, no stranger to elite novice chasers, was generous in his praise afterwards. He described the display as “spectacular,” noting how comfortably the gelding handled the conditions and how economically he jumped at speed. The trainer hinted at flexibility in future plans, suggesting that distances between two and a half and three miles could remain options as the season unfolds, with major mid-winter targets likely to come into consideration later.
Kauto Star Novices’ Chase: A Performance That Shaped the Day
Townend echoed that confidence, highlighting how naturally Kitzbuhel enjoyed being allowed to stride on. The rider felt that chasing had unlocked improvement, allowing the horse to use his athleticism fully. His ability to dictate fractions while maintaining accuracy at his fences proved decisive around Kempton’s sharp, demanding circuit.
Behind the winner, Thomas Mor shaped with promise, particularly given conditions that did not play entirely to his strengths. Connections indicated that a return to easier ground could see him progress further in staying novice company, with longer-term targets already being discussed.
Earlier on the card, the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase provided a contrasting but equally satisfying success story. Barlovento, trained by Olly Murphy and partnered by Sean Bowen, opened his account over fences with a determined display. Tracking the pace before asserting between the final two obstacles, he showed resilience when slightly tight at the last and held on gamely to score by three-quarters of a length.
Murphy admitted the result had pleasantly surprised him, praising the six-year-old’s jumping and attitude, while Bowen felt the switch to fences had sharpened the horse’s natural ability. Further progression now looks likely as experience continues to build.
As Kempton’s festive meeting got underway, it was Kitzbuhel who provided the defining image of the day — a novice chaser jumping with the assurance of an old hand, and announcing himself as a leading name of the season through his authoritative success in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.
Kempton park race result 26 December reflects a day of authoritative jumping and emerging festive-season stars. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.