Kauto Star connections ponder Hennessy decision

OWNER Clive Smith and trainer Paul Nicholls are likely to discuss plans for Kauto Star later in the week following his triumphant return to action at Down Royal.

The dual Gold Cup hero put his bad fall in this year’s Cheltenham showpiece behind him when winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase for a second time on Saturday.

The joy was tempered, however, by jockey Ruby Walsh breaking his leg in a fall later in the afternoon which means a replacement will have to be found for Kauto Star when he bids for a record fifth successive victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.