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Kauto Star jumps himself into history books

Published by charl on December 26, 2009

KAUTO Star created history by becoming the first horse to win the William Hill King George VI Chase for the fourth year in succession at Kempton Racecourse in London.

Paul Nicholls’ superstar came home in splendid isolation and Ruby Walsh never suffered an anxious moment throughout the whole 4800m, officially winning by a distance from Madison Du Berlais.

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

Tom George’s gallant Nacarat set a ferocious early pace up front under Sam Thomas, along with old timer Ollie Magern.

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. - extraced from Sportinglife, edited.