Smith: Ruby the key to Kauto gold rush

OWNER Clive Smith feels Ruby Walsh’s return aboard Kauto Star strengthens his chances of landing a third totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding failed in his bid to claim a record-breaking fifth King George VI Chase, after which he was found to have bled, but it is all systems go as he seeks to capture the blue riband prize at the age of 11.

And with Walsh back in the saddle after having recently returned from injury - Tony McCoy did the steering at Kempton – Smith feels Kauto Star could regain the big race for a second time after striking gold in 2007 and 2009.