Five-star Kauto still the king

KAUTO STAR sent Kempton Park racegoers into a state of mass hysteria and consolidated his position as the most acclaimed National Hunt horse since Arkle with an unprecedented fifth victory in the William Hill King George VI Chase.

Many clutched the free banners inscribed ’Go Go Long Run’ in support of the reigning champion, but they seemed outnumbered by others with ’Come On Kauto’ and the green and yellow scarves which have multiplied since the veteran began his almost unimaginable comeback.

Seemingly on a downward spiral when trounced by Long Run in the last King George and at his nadir when pulled up at Punchestown in May, Kauto Star (3-1) exacted a revenge as stylish as it was popular, jumping perhaps as well as he has ever done.