3 minute read

Trainer Paul Nicholls hailed Kauto Star after the five-time King George VI Chase winner enjoyed a hero's reception in the village of Ditcheat in Somerset.

A crowd of several hundred turned out to salute the peerless chaser 24 hours after he eclipsed the great Desert Orchid's record of four wins in the Christmas showpiece.

Nicholls was keen that it was Kauto Star, who turns 12 in a few days, who received all the plaudits.

He told Sky News: "He's been great for racing, great for the village, great for Somerset - and great for the whole team.

"They are a long time retired. You don't retire a horse or an athlete or a footballer when they are on top of their game. As long as he's OK and we're happy with him between now and then we'll have a crack at the Gold Cup. Wouldn't it be awesome if he could win that for a third time?"

Kauto Star was led down to the Manor House Inn a couple of times by Nicholls' head lad Clifford Baker, who rides him every day, and his lass, Rose Loxton.

Some in attendance were forced to stand on benches and walls just to get a glimpse of the equine superstar and plenty of the yellow and green scarves, the colours of owner Clive Smith, were on show.

Scenes like this seemed a lifetime away after he finished third in the King George and the Gold Cup last season, after which he was pulled up at Punchestown. There were plenty calling for him to be retired, but Nicholls has taken great pleasure in silencing those voices.

He had earlier told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He was fantastic, right back to the top of his game. He's now won two races this year and both times has beaten the reigning champion Long Run. It was a fantastic day.

"He's had some great races, don't forget Kauto Star has had lots of battles with Denman and Imperial Commander, but he seems in the form of his life at the moment. Long Run is six and Kauto is 11 - it was just awesome by the horse."