Kauto Star rediscovers his mojo at Haydock
Last updated 11/21/2011 11:10:42 PM
Kauto Star rediscovers his mojo at Haydock
Kauto Star raised the flag for all veterans in every sport when he put his problems behind him at Haydock Park. Dual Gold Cup winner Kauto Star returned to his ebullient best to beat the favourite Long Run in the Betfair Chase.
The 2007 and 2009 Cheltenham winner jumped superbly to beat this year's Gold Cup victor by eight lengths and show who the real boss is.
Kauto Star was only 6-1 after his disappointing campaign last season but he looked incredibly strong under Ruby Walsh.
The 11-year-old thrilled the crowd as their favourite battled to victory and was given a huge reaction by the Haydock crowd.
This was the big one for word was out amongst the stables that another below-par performance by the Paul Nicholls-trained horse could hasten his retirement.
But he showed he is back to his best and a rival to be reckoned with one of the best displays of his long, illustrious career to win the trophy for the fourth time.
What a difference this was from his last race in Punchestown in May where he was pulled up and many feared the worst as he seemingly struggled for breath.
Nicholls, who was enjoying a big-race double after the success of dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, also owned by Clive Smith, in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot, said: "I'm speechless. That's the best day I've ever had. It's just amazing.
"We'd left no stone unturned, I'd got him as fit as he ever had been. We'd always thought about trying to make the running today, but hadn't told anyone for obvious reasons, and it all went to plan.
"Last year at home he always made a noise on the gallops and he wasn't finishing his races, but for some reason this year he's not making any noise at all.
"He's great for racing, and I hope those that said he should have been retired will apologise."
Winning rider Ruby Walsh said: "He's an amazing horse. Paul had him spot on. I was hoping there would be another big day in him so I'm glad now I'm here and not at Ascot.
"I thought I'd take the bull by the horns and see how we get on. It's just a pleasure."
Both Kauto Star and Master Minded could now be aimed at the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day where they are likely to face Long Run.
Long Run's trainer Nicky Henderson said of his charge: "He jumped great until a couple of errors crept in there, and all of a sudden he wasn't going as well as he should have been. But in fairness, he stayed on very well from there.
"I'm delighted to see that horse [Kauto Star] back. It's going to make it all to play for now.
"It's great for racing, just disappointing to get beaten obviously. But we've got time to get our own back."
Game on!