King Kauto stars again
Kauto Star secured a magnificent third consecutive victory in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Paul Nicholls’ brilliant chaser atoned for a recent blip at Haydock to rack up his 10th Grade One victory.
Albertas Run stayed on for second, while Voy Por Ustedes was third.
Only Desert Orchid had previously won the Christmas cracker three years in succession but now the eight-year-old will have every chance of emulating the gallant grey in 12 months’ time with a fourth win.
Kauto Star became a nationwide gamble as he was backed off the boards from an early-morning price of 11-8 into 10-11 favourite.
He put in a few scary leaps early on but turned into the straight still on the bridle.
Albertas Run rushed up on his outside looking threatening but could not live with the former Gold Cup winner when Ruby Walsh pressed the button.
As the Kempton crowd held its breath when Kauto Star approached the final fence, it was as if the horse knew all eyes were on him and he paddled through it in his now almost-trademark style.
He never looked like falling though and won by eight lengths.
Walsh enthused: “He’s a star, isn’t he?
“It was a truly-run race and a few good jumps put him into the race – after that he was away.
“He’s always been a wonderful horse but when you are at the top, people want to knock you.”
Nicholls said: “I wish some people would give him the respect he deserves.
“I’m so pleased for the horse, not anyone else, just him.I wish I hadn’t run him last time at Haydock – it was not Sam Thomas’ finest hour but we knew we had him back.
“When he’s right, he’s a very good horse.
“He definitely won’t run before the Gold Cup and I can safely say he will only have the one run next year before the King George.”
Lucky owner Clive Smith was understandably delighted: “Ruby said they went too fast early on so he just hung back before he made his effort in the last half-mile.
“You need pace to lay up with them though and undoubtedly he was on top form today.
“He was as stylish as he has ever been and now we can all look forward to the rest of the season.
“I didn’t back him today, I’d backed him a few days ago and the prize money is enough.”
