CHELTENHAM Gold Cup winner Kauto Star was hailed as one of the greatest chasers in recent times after claiming top honours at the second annual Anglo-Irish Jump Racing Awards in London yesterday.

With his nemesis Kauto Star enjoying a much-deserved rest, the stage was clear for Exotic Dancer to shine in the glorious spring sunshine at Aintree and that he did with a virtuoso display in the Betfair Bowl Chase.