Run reclaims King George crown

Kauto Star has now been reduced to a ceremonial role in the William Hill King George VI Chase, but his first appearance at Kempton in retirement yesterday coincided with the most gripping finish since the era before the five-timer winner as his old foe Long Run claimed a dramatic second victory.

The pair ended on a one-all draw in their meetings in this race and it looked as if Sam Waley-Cohen’s mount would have to settle for second again, as last year, until the determined amateur conjured one last effort to stick Long Run’s neck past Captain Chris at the line.

Whether a professional would do better than Waley-Cohen on Long Run will always remain a matter of conjecture, and the 15-8 favourite did not jump well in the main, but horse and rider plumbed the very depths of their reserves through muddy and foul conditions in Sunbury.