Kauto? He’s my Arkle, says Clive

FEW horses have deserved the right to be ranked alongside Arkle, but owner Clive Smith believes Kauto Star is not far behind the colossus as he tries for a third totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup success.

Arkle and his arch rival Mill House monopolised National Hunt Racing through the 1960s, with the former rattling off a hat-trick of Gold Cup wins between 1964-66.

Kauto Star and stablemate Denman have enjoyed a similar rivalry in recent years, taking the last three renewals between them, with Smith’s record-breaker becoming the first to reclaim the race 12 months ago.