Kitzbuhel a possible for Limerick Grade One over Christmas Kitzbuhel was kept honest by Kaid D'authie as the pair gave Willie Mullins a one-two in the Conway Piling Beginners Chase over an extended two-and-a-quarter-miles at Punchestown. Both were having their first cracks at racecourse fences and Kitzbuhel, a Grade 3 winner over flights, was a warm order at 8/15. Kaid D'authie travelled into contention upsides The Enable turning for home, however, between the last two fences Paul Townend produced Kitzbuhel and the pair raced away best from the final fence to beat Kaid D'authie (7/1) by a length and a-quarter. Each-way players drew a dividend from The Enabler (14/1) who was 11 lengths adrift of the runner-up. Willie Mullins said: “He needed that. It was a nice performance, he jumped economically and Paul was happy that he’d improve from that. “We’ll look for a race after Christmas maybe the one at Limerick (Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase). “Kaid D’Authie ran well and I’d say a longer trip. He jumps well, gallops, and covers a lot of ground. He just needed the run as well.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
