King Kauto stars again

Pa
Saturday 26 December 2009 16:39 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kauto Star created history by becoming the first horse to win the William Hill King George VI Chase for the fourth year in succession.

Paul Nicholls' superstar came home in splendid isolation and Ruby Walsh never suffered an anxious moment throughout the whole three miles, officially winning by a distance from Madison Du Berlais.

Sent off the 8-13 favourite, Kauto Star bettered Desert Orchid's record in the race, with the famous old grey having won the Boxing Day spectacular four times but not consecutively.

Walsh said: "For any horse to come back for the same race four years on the trot is some ask, but to win it is incredible. Paul and Clifford (Baker, head lad) have done a smashing job at home with him and to do it four years on the bounce is amazing, it is an absolute privilege (to ride him).

"I'd say that was the best King George I've ridden in as regards pace, they went a really good gallop and I couldn't believe the way he jumped the fourth-last. I was still on the bridle when I got to Nacarat, and Barbers Shop was the only other horse still in view.

"It reminded me of the King George that Kicking King won the gallop they went. Paul was right - he said he'd never had him better and that performance shows it. He's an amazing horse."

Nicholls added: "He is amazing. I'd said it before, but I think that was the best he's ever been."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in