Kitzbuhel tests star potential at Gowran

Patrick Mullins is excited to see if Kitzbuhel can reproduce the form of his impressive Irish debut in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park on Saturday.

Bringing smart form from France, the five-year-old created a real buzz on his debut for Willie Mullins at Punchestown in December, beating useful yardstick Colonel Mustard with real ease.

He now steps up to graded company for just his second outing in the colours of Joe and Marie Donnelly in a race that the Closutton team have won a record six times down the years and also features their dual Cheltenham Festival winner Sir Gerhard.

“We’re really looking forward to getting Kitzbuhel out again,” said Mullins, who is assistant to his father.

“He obviously put up what looked a very big performance first time out in Ireland in Punchestown. That looks really strong form and we’ll be hoping he can follow up here.

“Obviously, Beacon Edge and Sir Gerhard set a decent standard, so if he can win well again here, we’ll know we have a right horse on our hands.”

Sir Gerhard won a stable staff race at Punchestown last week and Mullins added: “Sir Gerhard did a very important job in the Up The Yard Challenge under a brilliant ride from Aimee Morrissey and hopefully he can pick up more prize-money.”

The Mullins operation also have a stellar record in the Grade Two Red Mills Chase and are responsible for two of the three runners in the contest as Classic Getaway joins defending champion Saint Sam.

The latter impressed in the Clonmel Oil Chase in the autumn and makes a welcome return to the larger obstacles having just missed out over timber at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve.

“Saint Sam is quickly turning into a bit of a cult hero, stepping into the category of an Easy Game, Wicklow Brave kind of horse,” continued Mullins.

““He’s won 11 races now and this looks another great opportunity for him at his right trip on our local track. The Red Mills Chase is a race we always like to try to keep a nice horse for and we are hoping he can add to his winning record.

“Classic Getaway has a big run in him and we’re hoping he can be competitive once again.”