Kauto Star
Encyclopedia
Kauto Star is a French
-bred National Hunt
racehorse, who is currently trained by Paul Nicholls
in Somerset
, England
.
Kauto Star is one of the most successful National Hunt horses of all time, ultra consistent, incredibly tough and extremely versatile, he possessed a devastating turn of foot, a unique talent among staying chasers. He holds numerous records in the sport, he was the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup
and is the only horse to have won the King George VI Chase
four consecutive times.
when he saw a video of him in action at Auteuil
. Nicholls was so impressed with what he saw that he sought to arrange a purchase through his bloodstock agent in France
, Anthony Bromley. Nicholls arranged an owner in the shape of Clive Smith who was looking to purchase a horse and had recently had a 500,000 guineas offer for another horse (Garde Champetre) outbid by J. P. McManus
. He used 400,000 euros to purchase Kauto Star from his French owners.
where he was known as 'L'Extraterrestre' which translates to 'The Extraterrestrial' Kauto Star made a successful debut in England
, winning a Novice Chase at Newbury
beating Foreman by 9 lengths. Unfortunately he could only finish runner-up on his next appearance in an extraordinary race at Exeter beaten by Mistral De La Cour by a short head, Kauto Star had cantered into a 12-length lead approaching the second last fence when he fell, his jockey Ruby Walsh
was able to re-mount the horse, without his irons they jumped the last and chased the leader down just failing by a nose. Another half stride and he would have got up to win. Sadly he picked up an injury in the race, which ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival
and the rest of the season.
at the Cheltenham Festival
as the 2/1 Favourite, unfortunately for his supporters the horse fell at only the third fence.
at Aintree
. Over the next six weeks Kauto Star confirmed himself as the leading chaser in training, completing the first two legs of the Betfair Million thrashing multiple Grade One winner Beef or Salmon
by 17 lengths in the Betfair Chase
at Haydock Park
and then overcoming a final fence blunder to win the King George VI Chase
at Kempton Park
by 8 lengths defeating Exotic Dancer
. In between these two excellent successes over 3 miles, he was able to show his fantastic versatility by dropping back to 2 miles to win the Tingle Creek Chase for the second year running defeating the 2006/07 season Champion Chaser
Voy Por Ustedes
by 7 lengths. Kauto Star then had his final prep run before Cheltenham Gold Cup
in the Aon Chase
at Newbury, another final fence blunder meant Kauto Star had to battle all the way to line to defeat L'Ami by a neck, although he never looked like being passed.
as a very warm favourite, on the day he was sent off the very short priced 5/4. Despite the concerns beforehand about Kauto's jumping he put in an immaculate round of fences, tracking the leaders in mid-division, before cruising into the lead before the second last, he then jumped the final fence to the roars of the Cheltenham
crowd seeing off old rival Exotic Dancer
by 2 and a half lengths to confirm himself the new superstar of National Hunt racing
. With victory here Kauto Star won his connections a £1 million bonus, as a result of completing the Betfair Million and was also the winner of the British Horseracing Authority's Jumps Order of Merit.
' horses Denman
, winner of last season's Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
, the top race for novice staying chasers. Nicholls vowed to keep the pair apart for the season, culminating in a mouth watering potential showdown in the Cheltenham Gold Cup
in March.
Kauto Star began the current campaign as he had the season before in the Old Roan Chase
at Aintree
he faced just 3 rivals giving weight away all round, commentators and pundits stated beforehand that Kauto Star didn't look right in his coat in the parade ring and his trainer Paul Nicholls
stated he wouldn't be surprised if the horse got beat, as he needed the run. Kauto ran very uncharacteristically receiving reminders from Ruby Walsh
a long way from home and was beaten a length by 2½ mile Aintree specialist Monet's Garden
, giving the winner a stone in weight. His trainer proved to be right though as Kauto Star, partnered by Sam Thomas on this occasion as regular jockey Ruby Walsh
was out injured with a dislocated shoulder, defended his Betfair Chase
crown at Haydock Park
, defeating a decent field, led by his old adversary Exotic Dancer
who he saw off by half a length. Paul Nicholls
then chose to miss this season's Tingle Creek Chase due to its closer proximity to Kauto Star's next target, the King George VI Chase
at Kempton Park
this season. This proved another astute performance from the horse's trainer as Kauto Star put in what was possibly his finest performance yet, cruising into an easy lead rounding the bend to the home straight, Kauto eased to an 11-length victory over Our Vic.
was to be at Ascot
in the Ascot Chase
over 2 miles 5 furlongs. Kauto Star easily reversed the Aintree
form on level weights with Monet's Garden
recording an 8-length victory. The real drama came in the hours after the race. In the early evening, Kauto Star's Gold Cup
odds began to inexplicably lengthen on the Betting Exchanges, drifting until th Gold Cup betting was suspended by online bookmakers. It was then reported that Kauto Star was believed to have been found lame behind and that he was injured and set to miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup
. A statement the following day from Paul Nicholls
revealed that the vet had examined Kauto that morning and found him to have an infection in one of his hind hoofs, the injury wasn't as serious as first thought and after rest the horse would be fit and well, ready to line up at Cheltenham
on March 14.
.
Speculation to Kauto's well being arose after the race but not wanting to take anything away from Denman, the worthy winner. However, Kauto Star did not seem to be the same horse as in any of his previous races. His jumping seemed to have declined and he didn't display any turn-of-foot which Kauto Star is characteristically renowned for, as not many National Hunt horses display a great turn-of-foot as by come the end of the race stamina has normally been fully exerted. But Kauto Star normally manages to accelerate further away from his rivals (as he so brilliantly did in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup
), leaving speculation as to him still carrying an injury.
Had Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup
he would have again earned an extra £1million for completion of the Betfair Million having also previously won the Betfair Chase
and King George VI Chase
earlier in the season.
at Aintree
, however this second placed finish ensured he won the 2008 Order of Merit title, becoming the first horse to win this two seasons in succession. Clive D. Smith put the nature of this defeat down to Kauto's busy and consuming season and also the short time window between the Cheltenham Gold Cup
only the month before.
at Haydock
, which he had won for the previous two years. As he may well not have won the race had he not blundered, some claimed that he was now in decline. He proved such doubters wrong with an impressive third consecutive victory in the King George VI Chase
at Kempton Park
on Boxing Day, equalling Wayward Lad
's total of wins and now behind only Desert Orchid
. There had been a gamble on Kauto before the race, ensuring that he started at odds-on (10-11), whereas it had previously looked likely that, unlike in his previous two wins in the race, he would start at odds against.
After Kauto's third defeat off a short break between races at Haydock Paul Nicholls had come to the conclusion that Kauto Star was best run fresh and super fit, so he would be going straight to Cheltenham in an attempt to regain the ultimate prize, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
, the top jockey at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival
was quoted as saying: "He's (Kauto Star) the greatest horse I've ever ridden.". Kauto Star was given an Official Rating of 186 on the back of this Performance.
of victories in the Betfair Chase having previously won the race in 2006 and 2007. He won by the narrowest of margins over the Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander, who rallied well to answer the callings of Paddy Brennan but to fail only by a nose. However, nothing is to be taken away from Kauto Star in his manner of victory, he won in a gutsy display of stamina and courage on ever decreasing, unfavourable ground and on a course that has proven not to be one of his favourites.
. In doing so he equalled Desert Orchid
's record of four victories over five years. In the race, as Kauto Star cruised up on the outside of long time leader Nacarat rounding the home turn, he was travelling so well that a roar went up from the Kempton crowd as they sensed something special was about to happen. That it was, as Kauto Star effortlessly pulled away to win in record breaking style. The official winning distance was 36 lengths, a new record in the race, breaking Arkle
's 44 year old record of 30 lengths. It was a performance described by all who saw it as "faultless" and the best of his career to date, he earnt a Racing Post Rating of 192, the highest ever awarded to a National Hunt horse. He has been given a Timeform
rating of 191, (the highest given to a horse since the 1960s), making him the third highest rated of all time (joint with Mill House
) and only behind Flyingbolt
(210) and Arkle
(212).
, Kauto Star was strongly fancied to land his third gold cup. He spent the early part of the race travelling well and at the 7th fence put in a spectacular jump to go into second place, he looked to put in an equally big jump at the 8th fence before seeming to change his mind just after take off and crashed through the fence. This knocked him back to 5th and despite getting back into contention never recovered the fluidity of earlier in the race. At the 4th last fence known as the downhill fence and when in 5th place Kauto Star fell awkwardly, landing on his neck. However to the relief of everyone at the track he got to his feet and seemed to be unscathed. In the end stablemate Denman finished second to Imperial Commander who won for the Nigel Twiston-Davies team. Kauto Star was readily applauded in front of the stands upon his return to the saddling area.
In the aftermath of the race there were calls for the horse to be retired as there was a belief by many people that age had caught up with the great chaser. But it was found he was suffering from a low grade infection and had bled during the race. Paul Nicholls rubbished the idea of retiring him and said he would be heading to the Gold Cup.
The race has been hailed as one of the best races of all time, 2 heroic veterains in Kauto and Denman dethrowned by the brilliant young horse Long Run. It was the symbolic changing of the guard that befits this golden age of steeplechasers.
Speculation now surrounds potential retirement plans, although connections have expressed interest in one more race.
having made most of the running.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
-bred National Hunt
National Hunt racing
National Hunt racing is the official name given to the sport of horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in which the horses are required to jump over obstacles called hurdles or fences...
racehorse, who is currently trained by Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
in Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
Kauto Star is one of the most successful National Hunt horses of all time, ultra consistent, incredibly tough and extremely versatile, he possessed a devastating turn of foot, a unique talent among staying chasers. He holds numerous records in the sport, he was the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
and is the only horse to have won the King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
four consecutive times.
Purchase
Kauto Star first came to the attention of Paul NichollsPaul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
when he saw a video of him in action at Auteuil
Auteuil Hippodrome
The Auteuil Hippodrome is a horse racing venue on Route des Lacs in Paris, France. The 33-hectare race course opened November 1, 1873...
. Nicholls was so impressed with what he saw that he sought to arrange a purchase through his bloodstock agent in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Anthony Bromley. Nicholls arranged an owner in the shape of Clive Smith who was looking to purchase a horse and had recently had a 500,000 guineas offer for another horse (Garde Champetre) outbid by J. P. McManus
J. P. McManus
John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into...
. He used 400,000 euros to purchase Kauto Star from his French owners.
Early career
After a promising Hurdle career in FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
where he was known as 'L'Extraterrestre' which translates to 'The Extraterrestrial' Kauto Star made a successful debut in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, winning a Novice Chase at Newbury
Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse is a racecourse in the civil parish of Greenham, adjoining the town of Newbury in Berkshire, England. It has courses for flat races and over jumps...
beating Foreman by 9 lengths. Unfortunately he could only finish runner-up on his next appearance in an extraordinary race at Exeter beaten by Mistral De La Cour by a short head, Kauto Star had cantered into a 12-length lead approaching the second last fence when he fell, his jockey Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
was able to re-mount the horse, without his irons they jumped the last and chased the leader down just failing by a nose. Another half stride and he would have got up to win. Sadly he picked up an injury in the race, which ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious meetings in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, and has race prize money second only to the Grand National...
and the rest of the season.
2005/06 Season
Kauto Star started the new season with defeat over two miles and a furlong at Exeter to Monkerhostin. He followed this up though with an excellent one and a half length defeat of Ashley Brook in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, the first of his numerous Grade One successes. This meant that Kauto Star came into the Queen Mother Champion ChaseQueen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are twelve fences to be jumped...
at the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious meetings in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, and has race prize money second only to the Grand National...
as the 2/1 Favourite, unfortunately for his supporters the horse fell at only the third fence.
2006/07 Season
Kauto Star came into the new season with high hopes and expectations. He didn't let any one down on his seasonal reappearance destroying Armaturk by 21 lengths in the Old Roan ChaseOld Roan Chase
The Old Roan Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run on the Mildmay Course at Aintree over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs , and during its running there are sixteen fences to be jumped...
at Aintree
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
. Over the next six weeks Kauto Star confirmed himself as the leading chaser in training, completing the first two legs of the Betfair Million thrashing multiple Grade One winner Beef or Salmon
Beef or Salmon
Beef or Salmon was a multiple Grade 1 winning National Hunt racehorse. He was trained in Ireland by Michael Hourigan and owned by B J Craig. He was most famous for never winning a race outside of Ireland and for defeating three Cheltenham Gold Cup winners in Best Mate, Kicking King and War of...
by 17 lengths in the Betfair Chase
Betfair Chase
The Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt Steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
at Haydock Park
Haydock Park Racecourse
Haydock Park Racecourse is a racecourse in Haydock, Merseyside, England. The track is a mostly flat left-handed oval of around 1 mile 5 furlongs with a very slight rise on the run-in. There are courses for flat racing and National Hunt racing...
and then overcoming a final fence blunder to win the King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
at Kempton Park
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse is a horse racing track in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, which is a western suburb of London 16 miles from the city centre. The site is set in of land....
by 8 lengths defeating Exotic Dancer
Exotic Dancer (horse)
Exotic Dancer was a French bred National Hunt racehorse, who was trained by Jonjo O'Neill. He had a famous rivalry with Kauto Star but never beat him....
. In between these two excellent successes over 3 miles, he was able to show his fantastic versatility by dropping back to 2 miles to win the Tingle Creek Chase for the second year running defeating the 2006/07 season Champion Chaser
Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are twelve fences to be jumped...
Voy Por Ustedes
Voy Por Ustedes
Voy Por Ustedes is a French-bred chaser owned by Sir Robert Ogden and trained by Nicky Henderson. He was originally trained by Guillaume Macaire in France and was subsequently sold to the Million in Mind Partnership in December 2004...
by 7 lengths. Kauto Star then had his final prep run before Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
in the Aon Chase
Aon Chase
The Aon Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Newbury over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year in February.The...
at Newbury, another final fence blunder meant Kauto Star had to battle all the way to line to defeat L'Ami by a neck, although he never looked like being passed.
The 2007 Gold Cup
After 5 straight victories, Kauto Star then headed into the Cheltenham Gold CupCheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
as a very warm favourite, on the day he was sent off the very short priced 5/4. Despite the concerns beforehand about Kauto's jumping he put in an immaculate round of fences, tracking the leaders in mid-division, before cruising into the lead before the second last, he then jumped the final fence to the roars of the Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is a racecourse for horse racing events, located at Prestbury Park, in the suburban village of Prestbury on the outskirts of the English town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire...
crowd seeing off old rival Exotic Dancer
Exotic Dancer (horse)
Exotic Dancer was a French bred National Hunt racehorse, who was trained by Jonjo O'Neill. He had a famous rivalry with Kauto Star but never beat him....
by 2 and a half lengths to confirm himself the new superstar of National Hunt racing
National Hunt racing
National Hunt racing is the official name given to the sport of horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in which the horses are required to jump over obstacles called hurdles or fences...
. With victory here Kauto Star won his connections a £1 million bonus, as a result of completing the Betfair Million and was also the winner of the British Horseracing Authority's Jumps Order of Merit.
Pre-season excitement
Punters were extremely excited ahead of the 2007/08 season as a fantastic showdown loomed between Kauto Star and another of Paul NichollsPaul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
' horses Denman
Denman (horse)
Denman is an Irish bred National Hunt racehorse sired by Presenting. Known as The Tank, Denman is widely known for his great rivalry with Kauto Star for the Cheltenham Gold Cup...
, winner of last season's Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious meetings in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, and has race prize money second only to the Grand National...
, the top race for novice staying chasers. Nicholls vowed to keep the pair apart for the season, culminating in a mouth watering potential showdown in the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
in March.
Kauto Star began the current campaign as he had the season before in the Old Roan Chase
Old Roan Chase
The Old Roan Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run on the Mildmay Course at Aintree over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs , and during its running there are sixteen fences to be jumped...
at Aintree
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
he faced just 3 rivals giving weight away all round, commentators and pundits stated beforehand that Kauto Star didn't look right in his coat in the parade ring and his trainer Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
stated he wouldn't be surprised if the horse got beat, as he needed the run. Kauto ran very uncharacteristically receiving reminders from Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
a long way from home and was beaten a length by 2½ mile Aintree specialist Monet's Garden
Monet's Garden
Monet's Garden is a retired racehorse. Born in April 1998, he was a winner in 17 of his 32 starts, being placed second four times and third on two other occasions, earning £683,265 total prize money...
, giving the winner a stone in weight. His trainer proved to be right though as Kauto Star, partnered by Sam Thomas on this occasion as regular jockey Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
was out injured with a dislocated shoulder, defended his Betfair Chase
Betfair Chase
The Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt Steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
crown at Haydock Park
Haydock Park Racecourse
Haydock Park Racecourse is a racecourse in Haydock, Merseyside, England. The track is a mostly flat left-handed oval of around 1 mile 5 furlongs with a very slight rise on the run-in. There are courses for flat racing and National Hunt racing...
, defeating a decent field, led by his old adversary Exotic Dancer
Exotic Dancer (horse)
Exotic Dancer was a French bred National Hunt racehorse, who was trained by Jonjo O'Neill. He had a famous rivalry with Kauto Star but never beat him....
who he saw off by half a length. Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
then chose to miss this season's Tingle Creek Chase due to its closer proximity to Kauto Star's next target, the King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
at Kempton Park
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse is a horse racing track in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, which is a western suburb of London 16 miles from the city centre. The site is set in of land....
this season. This proved another astute performance from the horse's trainer as Kauto Star put in what was possibly his finest performance yet, cruising into an easy lead rounding the bend to the home straight, Kauto eased to an 11-length victory over Our Vic.
Injury Scare
The horse's final preparation for the Cheltenham Gold CupCheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
was to be at Ascot
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
in the Ascot Chase
Ascot Chase
The Ascot Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of about 2 miles and 5½ furlongs , and during its running there are seventeen fences to be jumped...
over 2 miles 5 furlongs. Kauto Star easily reversed the Aintree
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
form on level weights with Monet's Garden
Monet's Garden
Monet's Garden is a retired racehorse. Born in April 1998, he was a winner in 17 of his 32 starts, being placed second four times and third on two other occasions, earning £683,265 total prize money...
recording an 8-length victory. The real drama came in the hours after the race. In the early evening, Kauto Star's Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
odds began to inexplicably lengthen on the Betting Exchanges, drifting until th Gold Cup betting was suspended by online bookmakers. It was then reported that Kauto Star was believed to have been found lame behind and that he was injured and set to miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
. A statement the following day from Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
revealed that the vet had examined Kauto that morning and found him to have an infection in one of his hind hoofs, the injury wasn't as serious as first thought and after rest the horse would be fit and well, ready to line up at Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is a racecourse for horse racing events, located at Prestbury Park, in the suburban village of Prestbury on the outskirts of the English town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire...
on March 14.
The 2008 Gold Cup
Horse racing fans were eagerly awaiting this season's Gold Cup clash between Kauto Star and his stablemate Denman. Kauto was odds on favourite to retain his crown, although many anticipated an enthralling and very close race. However, he was sent off at 10-11 favourite to retain his crown with Denman drifting on the day to 9-4. The race, though was an entirely different matter with Kauto Star looking off the pace and jumping poorly. Denman romped home to win by seven lengths with Kauto Star bravely battling on in the soft ground to hold second place over Neptune CollongesNeptune Collonges
Neptune Collonges is an French Thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Dom Alco and dam, Castille Collonges. He is owned by John Hales and is trained by Paul Nicholls...
.
Speculation to Kauto's well being arose after the race but not wanting to take anything away from Denman, the worthy winner. However, Kauto Star did not seem to be the same horse as in any of his previous races. His jumping seemed to have declined and he didn't display any turn-of-foot which Kauto Star is characteristically renowned for, as not many National Hunt horses display a great turn-of-foot as by come the end of the race stamina has normally been fully exerted. But Kauto Star normally manages to accelerate further away from his rivals (as he so brilliantly did in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
), leaving speculation as to him still carrying an injury.
Had Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
he would have again earned an extra £1million for completion of the Betfair Million having also previously won the Betfair Chase
Betfair Chase
The Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt Steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
and King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
earlier in the season.
Final Race of the Season
Kauto Star lost again in what would be his last race of the season, going down by a narrow defeat to Ryanair winner Our Vic in the Totesport BowlTotesport Bowl
The Totesport Bowl is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 3 miles and 1 furlong , and during its running there are nineteen fences to be jumped...
at Aintree
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
, however this second placed finish ensured he won the 2008 Order of Merit title, becoming the first horse to win this two seasons in succession. Clive D. Smith put the nature of this defeat down to Kauto's busy and consuming season and also the short time window between the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
only the month before.
2008/09 Season
After beginning his season winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal, Kauto Star unseated stand-in jockey Sam Thomas (Ruby Walsh being out injured with a ruptured spleen) at the final fence in the Betfair ChaseBetfair Chase
The Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt Steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
at Haydock
Haydock Park Racecourse
Haydock Park Racecourse is a racecourse in Haydock, Merseyside, England. The track is a mostly flat left-handed oval of around 1 mile 5 furlongs with a very slight rise on the run-in. There are courses for flat racing and National Hunt racing...
, which he had won for the previous two years. As he may well not have won the race had he not blundered, some claimed that he was now in decline. He proved such doubters wrong with an impressive third consecutive victory in the King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
at Kempton Park
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse is a horse racing track in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, which is a western suburb of London 16 miles from the city centre. The site is set in of land....
on Boxing Day, equalling Wayward Lad
Wayward Lad
Wayward Lad, an English Thoroughbred racehorse foaled in 1975, was one of the "Dickinson five" . But there was far more than that to Wayward Lad's career, which ended in early 1987...
's total of wins and now behind only Desert Orchid
Desert Orchid
Desert Orchid , affectionately known as Dessie, was an English racehorse. The gallant grey achieved iconic status within National Hunt racing, where he was much loved by supporters for his front-running attacking style, iron will and extreme versatility. He was rated the fifth best National Hunt...
. There had been a gamble on Kauto before the race, ensuring that he started at odds-on (10-11), whereas it had previously looked likely that, unlike in his previous two wins in the race, he would start at odds against.
After Kauto's third defeat off a short break between races at Haydock Paul Nicholls had come to the conclusion that Kauto Star was best run fresh and super fit, so he would be going straight to Cheltenham in an attempt to regain the ultimate prize, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The 2009 Gold Cup
Kauto Star then went on to win the 2009 Gold Cup defeating Denman and becoming the first horse in history to regain his Cheltenham Crown. Kauto put in a breathtaking performance to win the contest by 13 lengths, a performance Timeform called "arguably the best performance in the race since Arkle" and "ending once and for all any doubt about his place among the greats". After the race, Ruby WalshRuby Walsh
Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
, the top jockey at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious meetings in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, and has race prize money second only to the Grand National...
was quoted as saying: "He's (Kauto Star) the greatest horse I've ever ridden.". Kauto Star was given an Official Rating of 186 on the back of this Performance.
The Betfair Chase
On Saturday 21 November, Kauto Star made it a hat-trickHat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
of victories in the Betfair Chase having previously won the race in 2006 and 2007. He won by the narrowest of margins over the Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander, who rallied well to answer the callings of Paddy Brennan but to fail only by a nose. However, nothing is to be taken away from Kauto Star in his manner of victory, he won in a gutsy display of stamina and courage on ever decreasing, unfavourable ground and on a course that has proven not to be one of his favourites.
King George VI Chase
Saturday 26 December 2009 proved to be a historic day as Kauto Star went on to win his fourth consecutive King George VI ChaseKing George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
. In doing so he equalled Desert Orchid
Desert Orchid
Desert Orchid , affectionately known as Dessie, was an English racehorse. The gallant grey achieved iconic status within National Hunt racing, where he was much loved by supporters for his front-running attacking style, iron will and extreme versatility. He was rated the fifth best National Hunt...
's record of four victories over five years. In the race, as Kauto Star cruised up on the outside of long time leader Nacarat rounding the home turn, he was travelling so well that a roar went up from the Kempton crowd as they sensed something special was about to happen. That it was, as Kauto Star effortlessly pulled away to win in record breaking style. The official winning distance was 36 lengths, a new record in the race, breaking Arkle
Arkle
Arkle was a famous Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. A bay gelding by Archive out of Bright Cherry, his grandsire was the unbeaten flat racehorse and prepotent sire Nearco. Arkle was bred at Ballymacoll Stud, County Meath by Mrs. Mary Alison Baker of Malahow House, near Naul, County Dublin...
's 44 year old record of 30 lengths. It was a performance described by all who saw it as "faultless" and the best of his career to date, he earnt a Racing Post Rating of 192, the highest ever awarded to a National Hunt horse. He has been given a Timeform
Timeform
Timeform Publications is a publishing company in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England founded in 1948 to provide information to fans, bettors, and others involved in the horse racing industry...
rating of 191, (the highest given to a horse since the 1960s), making him the third highest rated of all time (joint with Mill House
Mill House
Mill House was an Irish-bred but English-trained racehorse. He is considered one of the best National Hunt racing competitors in UK horse racing history but whose quality was overshadowed by arch rival, Arkle...
) and only behind Flyingbolt
Flyingbolt
Flyingbolt was a famous racehorse.- Overview :Officially he is the second best National Hunt racehorse of all time, after Arkle, but not nearly as well known as his rival. Flyingbolt's racing career was dogged by illness and injury...
(210) and Arkle
Arkle
Arkle was a famous Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. A bay gelding by Archive out of Bright Cherry, his grandsire was the unbeaten flat racehorse and prepotent sire Nearco. Arkle was bred at Ballymacoll Stud, County Meath by Mrs. Mary Alison Baker of Malahow House, near Naul, County Dublin...
(212).
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2010
Sent off a very short price for the 2010 Gold Cup2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup
The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup was a horse race which took place at Cheltenham on Friday March 19, 2010. It was the 82nd running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and it was won by Imperial Commander. The winner was ridden by Paddy Brennan and trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies...
, Kauto Star was strongly fancied to land his third gold cup. He spent the early part of the race travelling well and at the 7th fence put in a spectacular jump to go into second place, he looked to put in an equally big jump at the 8th fence before seeming to change his mind just after take off and crashed through the fence. This knocked him back to 5th and despite getting back into contention never recovered the fluidity of earlier in the race. At the 4th last fence known as the downhill fence and when in 5th place Kauto Star fell awkwardly, landing on his neck. However to the relief of everyone at the track he got to his feet and seemed to be unscathed. In the end stablemate Denman finished second to Imperial Commander who won for the Nigel Twiston-Davies team. Kauto Star was readily applauded in front of the stands upon his return to the saddling area.
2010/2011 Season
Kauto began his season winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal for the 2nd time with a workmanlike performance but his round of fencing was faultless. It seems he was suffering no ill effects of his crashing fall in the Gold Cup the previous season.King George 2010
He went on to attempt to win a record breaking 5th consecutive King George in the rearranged meeting in January. Despite being at the veteran age of 11 he was still sent off the odds on favourite. But from the outset he was never travelling and jumping with any fluency and he looked beaten when blundering at the 2nd last, a mistake which cost him 2nd place.In the aftermath of the race there were calls for the horse to be retired as there was a belief by many people that age had caught up with the great chaser. But it was found he was suffering from a low grade infection and had bled during the race. Paul Nicholls rubbished the idea of retiring him and said he would be heading to the Gold Cup.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup marked the first time Kauto Star had not started favourite for a race since his first run outside novice company in November 2005. His starting price of 5/1 was also only the 3rd time since that day he had not started at odds on. The Gold Cup would prove that trainer Paul Nicholls was correct in not retiring the great champion, as he belied his age and alongside his titanic stablemate Denman, he put in a superb performance to finish 3rd behind Long Run the 7-2 favourite.The race has been hailed as one of the best races of all time, 2 heroic veterains in Kauto and Denman dethrowned by the brilliant young horse Long Run. It was the symbolic changing of the guard that befits this golden age of steeplechasers.
Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup
Kauto Star ran in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown (4 May), starting as 10/11 Favorite, however was pulled up by Ruby Walsh. The Irish jockey reported him after the race as 'never travelling'. Follow The Plan went on to win the race.Speculation now surrounds potential retirement plans, although connections have expressed interest in one more race.
The Betfair Chase
On Saturday 19 November, Kauto Star made it four victories in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park having previously won the race in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He won by eight lengths from Long RunLong Run (horse)
Long Run is a National Hunt racehorse owned by Robert Waley-Cohen and trained by Nicky Henderson in Great Britain.-Racing Career:In January 2011, ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, the son of owner Robert Waley-Cohen, Long Run won the weather delayed 2010 King George VI Chase at Kempton...
having made most of the running.
Records & Statistics
- Probably Kautos most impressive statistic is his record in Grade 1 Chases. In his first six years in Britain he competed in 18 Grade 1's over distances from 2 miles to 3 & 1/4 miles. He completed 15, winning 14, with his solitary 2nd coming in the 2008 Gold Cup to his stablemate Denman.
- With his 2011 Gold Cup 3rd Kauto kept his record of never finishing outside the places in any of his 27 completed races in his 7 seasons in Britain.
- His official rating of 193 given after his 4th King George win was the highest ever awarded to a Steeplechaser.
- He's the only horse to have won the King George for 4 consecutive seasons.
- He's the only horse to have ever regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
- He's the only horse to have ever won two seperate Grade 1 (or Group 1) races 4 times (Betfair Chase & King George)
- He has won more prize money than any other National Hunt horse in the history of the sport.
External links
- pedigreequery.com – Kauto Star's pedigree
- racingpost.com – Kauto Star's race record