Racing:Paul Nicholls has confirmed the incredible Kauto Star has run his final race. The winner of two Cheltenham Gold Cups and five King George VI Chases, Kauto Star was pulled up on his final start in last season's Gold Cup.
Connections have taken their time to make a final decision over whether the 12-year-old should race on, but the champion trainer and owner Clive Smith have decided to call time on a brilliant career.
Speaking in his Betfair column, Nicholls said: “The end of an era has finally arrived. Clive was here this morning and we have taken the decision to retire Kauto Star.”
Mick Fitzgerald partnered Kauto Star just once but he was lucky enough to be aboard when the Village Star gelding won his first Grade One in the 2005 Tingle Creek. He said: “He’s just been an amazing horse. It was a pleasure to be asked to ride him in the Tingle Creek and a treat to do so.
“I actually went down to Ditcheat last week to do a piece for At The Races and I saw Kauto and he looked absolutely fantastic. It’s great news he’s been retired as he can now go and enjoy the rest of his life. He’s produced some incredible performances. Haydock last year was fantastic and all you had to do was look at Paul Nicholls after the race and you could see what the horse meant to him.
“I think Paul has done an absolutely incredible job with the horse. He’s an amazing trainer and he deserves a huge amount of credit. You’d have to say Kauto Star is right up there with the best (there’s ever been). To win two Tingle Creeks, two Gold Cups and five King Georges says everything you need to know. He’s been an amazing, amazing horse.”