Nicholls thrilled with Kauto spin

Paul Nicholls was delighted to see Kauto Star show plenty of enthusiasm as the veteran chaser enjoyed a spin with stablemates Big Buck’s and Mon Parrain after racing at Exeter.

The 11-year-old Kauto Star has enjoyed a stellar career, winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on four consecutive occasions and taking Cheltenham Gold Cup glory twice.

He looked to have lost some of his dash last season, being put firmly in his place by Long Run in the King George and the Gold Cup before being pulled up on his final start of the campaign at Punchestown.

Some have called for connections to call time on the French-bred gelding’s career, but the champion trainer is keen to carry on as long as he is enjoying his job.

A bid for a fourth victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 19 is on his agenda.

“Kauto was full of enthusiasm and travelling like a demon and it’s good for them, a day out like this,” Nicholls told At The Races.

“I’m really pleased to see Kauto going nicely and the idea was to try and finish in a line together. People are saying Kauto should be retired but they have to remember that when he’s retired, people won’t get the chance to see him.

“He’ll be retired one day but he absolutely adores what he’s doing – he loves being in training and loves the life.

“We’re not going to abuse him and we won’t ask him to do anything he’s not capable of. He’ll have a couple of runs, it will the same for him and Denman, and we’ll see what happens.”

Ruby Walsh partnered Kauto Star in the gallop, with Daryl Jacob sat alongside on Paddy Power Gold Cup hope Mon Parrain.

Harry Skelton was content to sit a couple of lengths further behind on three-time World Hurdle winner Big Buck’s, but he quickened up smartly to join his stable companions on the line.

“Big Buck’s went well and it’s ideal,” Nicholls added. “There’s a lot of hype about him (Mon Parrain) and he got beaten the last day he ran at Aintree.

“He’s only a five-year-old and could improve. He runs in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and we’ll know a lot more after that.”