Kauto not finished yet, insists Smith

OWNER Clive Smith disagrees with the view that age may have caught up with Kauto Star, and is looking forward to the top-class chaser making his annual appearance in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 11-year-old was found to have bled after his bid to record an historic fifth win in a row in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday ended in disappointment when he was only third behind Long Run.

A mistake at the second-last fence finally put paid to his chance and Tony McCoy, replacing the injured Ruby Walsh, did well to keep the partnership intact.