Richards relishing Kauto challenge

Nicky Richards is looking forward to taking on hot favourite Kauto Star in the Stan James King George VI Chase with Monet’s Garden.

The Penrith trainer admitted being impressed with Paul Nicholls’ ace in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday, but is happy to have a horse good enough to oppose him in the Kempton showpiece on St Stephen's Day.

“There’ll be a lot of very good horses there and Paul’s horse looks an exceptional animal, but hopefully we’ll get there in one piece, firing on all cylinders, and let’s have a good race for everybody,” said Richards.

“We are just building things up. We didn’t do anything too strenuous in a racecourse gallop at Ayr but it all went nicely and he did a good bit of work on Saturday and everything’s going to plan.

“He’s a very good horse and it’s nice to be taking him on in the top races. That’s what it’s all about,” he told At The Races.