Kauto Star: ‘A once in a lifetime’ horse says Paul Nicholls

Paul Nicholls hailed Kauto Star a “once in a lifetime” horse after the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner had to be put down due to injuries sustained in a paddock accident.

The 15-year-old enjoyed a glittering career with the champion trainer after being bought from France as a four-year-old, most notably winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton five times and becoming the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He retired from racing after pulling up in the 2012 renewal of the blue riband having won 23 of his 41 races and over £2.3million in win and place prize-money.