Nicholls delighted with Kauto gallop

Kauto Star virtually confirmed himself a starter in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup after delighting connections in a gallop after racing at Wincanton.

The 12-year-old was described as “50-50” for the Festival showpiece last week after it emerged he had suffered a schooling fall at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard.

Kauto Star has since made massive strides in his race to be fit for the blue riband event next Friday, and Nicholls was keen to see how he fared in a racecourse spin with stablemate Mon Parrain.