Summer decision due on Kauto

Owner Clive Smith accepts retirement is the likely option for the great Kauto Star.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 12-year-old won a historic fifth King George VI Chase on December 26, but was pulled up in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

A decision on his future racing career will be made towards the end of the summer.

Smith told At The Races: “We’ll probably have a look at him at the end of August.

“We’ll probably retire him, but you just don’t know yet.

“He’s bouncing around and is in great shape.”