Good Luck old boy enjoy the season and come back safe and sound.
Nicholls: Kauto Star showing the right signs
BY JAMES BURN 12:57PM 14 SEP 2011
TRAINER Paul Nicholls on Wednesday issued an upbeat bulletin on Kauto Star and confirmed plans for him to clash with his Gold Cup conqueror Long Run in theBetfair Chase at Haydock on November 19.
The two-time Gold Cup winner, who has also landed a record four consecutive King George VI Chases, ended last season on a downer when he was pulled up for the first time in his 38-race career in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup. That led to speculation about his retirement and Nicholls admits running at Punchestown was a mistake. The champion trainer is targeting the Grade 1 Betfair Chase, which Kauto Star won in 2006, 2007 and 2009, and after that a decision on the 11-year-old's future will be made.
"I'm delighted to report that Kauto Star has been back in training for a few weeks now and all the signs remain positive that he is in great order," Nicholls wrote on his website.
"He absolutely loves being in training and getting all the attention and, after the service he has given us and racing, he deserves at least that.
"In hindsight he should never have gone to Ireland, after his heroics in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but he remains one of the best in training on that Gold Cup form."
Nicholls, who trains Kauto Star for Clive Smith, added: "All being well between now and the end of November he will head to Haydock for a clash with Long Run.
"The run at Haydock should tell us all we need to know about his future and we can make any decisions after that."
that little bird wouldn't happened to have been Mark Howards OJA book, would it ?
Cant believe they are keeping Kauto in training. Just cant believe it, captain!
that little bird wouldn't happened to have been Mark Howards OJA book, would it ? Cant believe they are keeping Kauto in training. Just cant believe it, captain!