Racing:Kauto Star created history by becoming the first horse to win the William Hill King George VI Chase for the fourth year in succession. Paul Nicholls' superstar came home in splendid isolation and Ruby Walsh never suffered an anxious moment throughout the whole three miles, officially winning by a distance from Madison Du Berlais.
Sent off the 8-13 favourite, Kauto Star bettered Desert Orchid's record in the race, with the famous old grey having won the Boxing Day spectacular four times but not consecutively.
Sky Bet go 6-4 from 2s about Kauto Star for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, as do Ladbrokes, while Boylesports offer 5-4.
Tom George's gallant Nacarat set a ferocious early pace up front under Sam Thomas, along with old timer Ollie Magern.
The betting suggested Imperial Commander was the main threat to Kauto Star, but a terrible blunder at the second fence put paid to his chance and he struggled to get competitive after that.
Walsh loomed up alongside Nacarat with fully half a mile to run and the rest of his rivals were dropping away quickly - Deep Purple and Racing Demon having long since been pulled up.
Madison Du Berlais battled gamely to take second a mile back with Barbers Shop third, and in truth there was only ever one horse in it.
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."
Nicholls went on: "He was awesome today. I knew he was at his best, you can't believe how much he has improved - his whole well-being and everything. I've said it all before and I wasn't saying it for no reason, he's never looked better than he did today.
"He's got it all now, he's got pace, he jumps, he stays and he is just a wonderful, wonderful horse teamed up with a brilliant jockey as well, they suit each other.
"Hopefully he is good for racing, that's what we want."
Totesport make Kauto Star their 5-4 favourite from 2-1 for a third Cheltenham Gold Cup with stablemate Denman at 2-1 and 12-1 bar the front two.
William Hill make him 6-4 to win a fifth King George in 2010.