Nicholls - ‘even stevens’ in Gold Cup battle

Paul Nicholls believes there will be little to choose between old rivals Kauto Star and Long Run as the pair prepare to lock horns for a fifth time in next month’s Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Long Run was victorious in both the Gold Cup and the King George VI Chase last season, and it seemed Nicky Henderson’s star stayer had the measure of the legendary Kauto Star, who is five years older.

But the 12-year-old Kauto Star has come back seemingly as good as ever, putting Long Run in his place in the Betfair Chase at Haydock before coming out on top again and securing an historic fifth King George win on Boxing Day.