Kauto 'mad fresh' for Punchestown

Kauto Star completed a schooling session on Friday morning ahead of his assignment at Punchestown next week.

The great chaser, twice a winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is due to line up in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup on Wednesday.

Paul Nicholls’ 11-year-old finished an honourable third behind Long Run and Denman on his final start in the Gold Cup in March, and is encouraging connections in his home-work at Ditcheat.

Nicholls wrote on Twitter: “Daryl Jacob just schooled Kauto Star in preparation for Punchestown. He is in great order and mad fresh.”

Kauto Star will be running in Ireland for a third time, having twice claimed the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.