Nicholls ponders Kauto Star decisions

PAUL NICHOLLS is in no rush to decide who will partner Kauto Star in the absence of Ruby Walsh.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero made a winning return to action at Down Royal under Walsh on Saturday, but his regular partner then suffered a double fracture to his right leg in a fall later in the day.

Connections will also need to decide whether to let the 10-year-old carry top-weight in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury later this month ahead of his bid for a historic fifth King George VI Chase triumph on Boxing Day.