McCririck hails winning Run

John McCririck believes Long Run's victory in the William Hill King George VI Chase and the demise of Kauto Star has signalled the dawn of a new generation.

However, the Channel 4 Racing pundit believes it could be folly to dismiss Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on the back of just one poor run, especially with his trainer Paul Nicholls not quite firing on all cylinders in January.

"I think the torch has been passed to a new generation. It does look like that," said McCririck.

"The only thing you might be able to say is that Paul Nicholls is out of form and looking back that could well be a factor. January isn't his month. It wasn't the Kauto Star we knew.

"It looks like the torch has been passed and all credit to Sam Waley-Cohen (jockey) taking on the very big boys and showing no signs of nerves. The horse jumped beautifully. He loves Kempton, having won the Feltham.

"Unless it was an off-day for Kauto, it could be a generation thing and it points to Denman as well, whether he'll be able to hack it in the top class as well. That's the fascination of racing.

"It was sad to see. The crowd came and you could feel it was a bit of a letdown, an anti-climax, though it was a magnificent day for the punters and a great day of entertainment with a nine-race card.

"You wouldn't rule Kauto Star out of the Gold Cup yet though on the back of one disappointing run. There was that mistake and I don't know how McCoy stayed on at the second last.

"I wouldn't back Long Run at Cheltenham, but he was hugely impressive yesterday. If Kauto Star had won like that we'd be saying he's the Gold Cup favourite and all's well.

"Long Run has shown weaknesses before and this was by far his best run. When you think Timeform had him about 26lb behind, it shows how much he has improved or how disappointing Kauto Star was.

"Riverside Theatre puts the race into perspective. It wasn't one of the great King Georges if you rule out the failure of Kauto Star."