Gold Cup glory raises Kauto to superstar status

AN extraordinary tension gripped every one of the 65,000 people at Prestbury Park yesterday in advance of the Gold Cup.

It was only released when Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh passed the finish line to secure a famous and unequivocal victory in the most important steeplechase in the world.

The horse answered all the questions which had pursued him throughout a hugely successful but flawed campaign and the relief among the connections, the fans, the racing public and even the doubters was palpable. Indeed he is a superstar.