Nicholls is unmoved by Kauto Star’s rating of 176

PAUL NICHOLLS insists Kauto Star’s high handicap mark is an “irrelevant” factor for connections.

Phil Smith, senior jumps handicapper for the British Horseracing Board, awarded Nicholls’ stable star a rating of 176 after his wide-margin success in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park.

That mark leaves Kauto Star rated as the best staying chaser of the last decade but Nicholls is unmoved by the news.