Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase
Grade 1, Kempton Park 13:20
£100,000 guaranteed,
4yo plus,
3m, Class 1  
Friday 26th December 2025

1 Kitzbuhel 13/8F
2 Thomas Mor 12/1
3 Wendigo 5/2
6 ran Distances: 2¾l, 1l, 1¾l
Time: 5m 51.64s (fast by 4.36s)

Kitzbuhel delivered a polished exhibition of positive racing to hand Willie Mullins his first success in the race, setting out to make every yard and never relinquishing control.

Already a Grade Three winner over hurdles and an emphatic victor on his chasing debut at Punchestown last month, the 13-8 favourite was taking a notable step up in both distance and company for this three-mile Grade One. Under Paul Townend, he was soon into his stride at the head of affairs, travelling with fluency and intent.

On a track that rewards momentum, his principal market rivals Wendigo and Thomas Mor were quickly being put under pressure, while Kitzbuhel settled into a smooth, relentless rhythm. His jumping down the back straight was particularly striking, several fences dispatched with scope and assurance that stretched the field and left those in behind with ground to make up.

Thomas Mor did briefly offer hope of a challenge as they rounded the home turn, but the leader was not for passing. Even standing off the final fence, Kitzbuhel had the measure of the obstacle and galloped on strongly to record a visually commanding success by two and three-quarter lengths.

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, who enjoyed King George glory at Kempton 12 months ago, was pleased to be back in the Sunbury winner’s enclosure after another assured display.

“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.”

Kauto Star Novices' Chase
(Formerly The Feltham Novices' Chase) (Grade 1)
£100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 3m, Class 1,
6 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Kitzbuhel 5 11-7 W P Mullins Paul Townend 13/8F
2 2¾ Thomas Mor 8 11-7 Philip Hobbs & Johnson White Ben Jones 12/1
3 1 Wendigo 6 11-7 Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 5/2
4 1¾ Salver 5 11-7 Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn 7/2
5 21 Blueking d'Oroux 6 11-7 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 12/1
6 20 Crest Of Fortune 5 11-7 Anthony Honeyball Sam Twiston-Davies 12/1

horse racing