Kitzbuhel roared back to top form with an exhibition of jumping from the front before edging out Final Demand in a tremendous finish to the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Trained by Willie Mullins, the six-year-old had excelled at Kempton when winning the Kauto Star Novices' Chase on Boxing Day, but was somewhat underrated in the betting at 11-1 after falling at Sandown in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.

Having come under scrutiny for his ride on No Drama This End in the opening Turners Novices' Chase, Harry Cobden - partnering the grey for the first time - was at his brilliant best, leaving nothing to chance, finding some spectacular leaps from his mount as he led the field from start to finish. The challengers loomed heading for home, none more so than stablemate Final Demand, who also showcased his very best to push the winner hard in the closing stages, with only three quarters of a length separating the pair at the end of three miles.

Mullins praised the performance, noting how Kitzbuhel's front-running style and jumping ability made the difference. The trainer suggested the Gold Cup could be on the agenda, while also mentioning the King George as a potential target given the horse's impressive display at Kempton. The victory marked a significant bounce-back for Kitzbuhel after his Sandown fall.