Kauto Star's Record 5th King George VI
Who would dream when Kauto Star won his fourth King George VI in 2009 that he would return
in 2011 to break the British record with his fifth race victory? ©Photo David Hastings
At ten, the French-bred gelding Kauto Star (Village Star FR) was a fading champion with four King George VIs and four Cheltenham Gold Cups under his girth.
It seemed time for Paul Nicholl's star to yield to the younger generation. Nicky Henderson's Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) defeated him in both his specialty races early in 2011.
Then came November 19 at Haydock when Kauto Star returned to stardom exhibiting jumping perfection in defeating Long Run by eight lengths on good-to-soft ground.
Despite Kauto Star's staggering achievement that day, punters sent Long Run off evens favourite in the second most important race of the chase season: Kempton's Boxing Day Grade 1 King George VI Chase, 3 miles with 18 fences on good-to-soft Turf, with a purse of £102,991.40.
Only three horses drew the bettors: Long Run and Paul Nicholls duo of Kauto Star and Master Minded FR who were sent out at 3/1 and 11/2 respectively. The other four horses drew little support: Captain Chris, Golan Way, Nacarat and Somersby.
Outsiders Golan Way and Nacarat FR vied for the lead from the outset with Ruby Walsh keeping Kauto Star prominent throughout in second or third and closely shadowed by his nemesis Long Run.
Kauto Star seemed to have enough of the flubbers and took the lead.
He demonstrated why he has been at the top of the chasing game since five with his perfect jumping and characteristic front flutter.
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was left with no choice but to move Long Run up to second. Jumping is not the youngster's best suit; waiting, staying and speed are.
Consumate professional jockey Walsh judged his horse's advantages and dominated race tactics.
Amateur Waley-Cohen's Long Run made a few mistakes including the fateful heavy brushing the final fence.
It cut his speed when trying to catch up with a tiring Kauto Star who beat him by 1¼ lengths at the post. Captain Chris was 17 lengths behind in third.
Golan Way refused a jump and the brilliant Master Minded, who had never tried the extra distance, was injured before the last obstacle. Five finished.
The crowd went wild and every jumps' lover should salute Kauto Star and his human team for his incredible achievements.
No other chaser in history has broken the records he has with such style, ease and grace.
Winning a fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup next March would leave him historically untouchable.
Despite today's race, the younger Long Run is still favourite for the next Gold Cup.
Long Live Kauto Star! Hip, Hip, Hooray!
©Posted December 26, 2011
http://www.racingint.com
Posted by susan trevelyan-syke at 1/15/2012 11:51 PM 
Categories: King George VI Chase, Kauto Star
Tags: Kauto Star King George VI Chase Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls Long Run
Categories: King George VI Chase, Kauto Star
Tags: Kauto Star King George VI Chase Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls Long Run
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