Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

HARRY Cobden’s association with Willie Mullins looks set to only get stronger in his new role with J.P. McManus next season, and the pair combined for their first Grade 1 together when Kitzbuhel took his form to a new level in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

Joe and Marie Donnelly’s grey has a most likeable way of going on the front end and was in no mood to be denied when a resurgent Final Demand threw down a stern challenge on his inner once turning for home. This season’s Kauto Star Novices’ Chase winner, sent off at 11/1, had all the answers under an excellent ride, although Paul Townend was just as impressive in defeat on the runner-up (beaten three-quarters of a length).

There was disappointment for 9/4 favourite Romeo Coolio on his first try beyond an extended two and a half miles, though it didn’t appear to be the trip that got him beat. He never looked to turn up and made jumping errors to continue a challenging start to the week for Gordon Elliott.

Dublin Racing Festival winner Kaid d’Authie fell at the 13th of 20 fences, too early to know how he’d have fared otherwise, while Wendigo was well held when falling at the last.

“This horse is braver than I am, the little chap,” said Cobden, after bagging his second Grade 1 of the season.

“Thank you to the owners and Willie Mullins for putting me on him. He’s a phenomenal horse and I’m delighted to be on board.

“He was brilliant today. He was lugging right the whole way and that was why I just kept him down the middle. I had to switch in down the hill, as I wanted to make them come round me. He was so brave.”

Mullins added: “That was a hell of a performance. To make all in a Brown Advisory and then fight off what is a top horse in Final Demand - I thought Final Demand would have had his measure coming up the hill - what a brave performance.”

Kitzbuhel is now priced between 12/1 and 20/1 for next year’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (having been as big as 66/1 beforehand).

Paul Townend, rider of Final Demand (second)

“He felt more like himself today. His jumping was much better and he carried me everywhere. I still thought I’d win when I jumped the last and even halfway up the run-in I thought so, but it’s brilliant for Joe and Marie, who have a torrid time with their horses this year.”

Josh Moore, joint-trainer of Salver (third)

“It’s a shame the ground’s dried out. He can run on that ground, but soft ground slows the others down. He jumped fantastic, he ran fantastic, he stayed and stayed and stayed. We’d probably be looking at the graded races next season - a Betfair Chase or a Charlie Hall might suit him, if he gets slow ground.”

Jack Kennedy, rider of Romeo Coolio (pulled up)

“He never jumped or travelled. Leopardstown probably left its mark on him. The ground might have been a bit quick, but he was just flat.”