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WILLIE MULLINS has unveiled a ‘monstrous’ new talent who has swiftly become the frontrunner for the County Hurdle after a stunning debut performance.
Multi-millionaire owners Joe and Marie Donnelly seem to have discovered another exciting prospect in Kitzbuhel.
Likely named after the charming Alpine town in Austria, Kitzbuhel demonstrated remarkable talent during his inaugural outing for Mullins at Punchestown on Tuesday.
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Sporting the iconic black and white silks associated with champions like Al Boum Photo, State Man, and Sir Gino, Kitzbuhel easily surpassed the 146-rated 6-4 favourite Colonel Mustard at level weights.
Backed at 3-1 with Paul Townend aboard, Kitzbuhel took the lead early on and pulled away from his seasoned opponent to win the 2m½f hurdle by three-and-three-quarters lengths.
At just four years old, he is the latest star to emerge from France.
This country is well-known for producing ready-to-race hurdlers, as evidenced by former Triumph winners Vauban and Majborough.
Kitzbuhel joined Mullins’ Closutton yard after winning one of his three races abroad, subsequently acquired by bloodstock agent Harold Kirk.
He certainly showcased a potential champion on his debut, living up to the anticipation surrounding the Donnellys’ other new hurdling sensation, Anzadam.
William Hill bookmakers quickly adjusted their odds following Kitzbuhel’s debut for Mullins.
They promptly placed him as a 10-1 favourite for the County Hurdle – a race famously won in 2022 by the now 169-rated State Man off a mere 141.
Interestingly, Colonel Mustard finished third in that same contest.
Betting enthusiasts were left in awe of Kitzbuhel’s performance.
One commenter exclaimed: “What a monstrous performance from Kitzbuhel! He’s only a 4-year-old and convincingly defeated a 146-rated Colonel Mustard on debut for Willie Mullins.”
Another fan noted: “Incredible horse, impressive display. We will definitely be seeing more of him!”
Meanwhile, jockey Townend provided a glimpse into the future by stating after the race: “He was exceptionally professional.
“I believe Kitzbuhel will handle longer distances; he surprised me with how he accelerated into the straight.”
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