Nicholls has fantastic four in mind for Kauto
Kauto Star will not be over-raced by Paul Nicholls as he sets his sights on another of Desert Orchid’s records after matching his hat-trick of victories in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.
The brilliant grey had been the only horse to land the St Stephen's Day highlight in three successive years until the eight-year-old came along, and Coral make him a 5-2 chance to match Dessie’s magnificent four wins in the race.
Ignoring hints of his supposed decline, punters piled into Kauto Star and sent Ruby Walsh’s mount off the 10-11 favourite to pick up the winning thread after his final-fence blip at Haydock last month.
The 2007 Gold Cup hero was always travelling sweetly, and after being joined by Albertas Run turning for home, he quickly shrugged him aside to overcome his trademark blunder at the last and score by eight lengths.
Nicholls said: “This is great for the horse. He has been an amazing horse for us – three King Georges now, Betfair Chases, Gold Cups, Tingle Creeks – he has done it all.
“I think horses like this should get more respect and not be knocked all the time. He is great for racing, pays people’s wages and we should respect what he has done.”
