Kauto Star owner Smith ‘extremely disappointed’ in Nicholls

Owner Clive Smith spoke of being “extremely disappointed” last night in the reaction of trainer Paul Nicholls after Kauto Star’s abrupt exit from the yard on Tuesday afternoon.

The winner of five King Georges and two Cheltenham Gold Cups for the owner and trainer, he had been officially retired in late October but was expected to remain at Manor Farm Stables in Somerset until St Stephen’s Day, when he was due to parade at Kempton.

However, he unexpectedly left Nicholls’ care after Smith had announced on Monday that the 12-year-old would be moving away to be prepared by European bronze medalist eventing rider Laura Collett and long-time Great Britain manager and coach Yogi Breisner for a new career in the world of dressage.