CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP:Kauto Star wrote his name into racing legend by reclaiming the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in emphatic style from his stablemate Denman as Ruby Walsh extended his record of winners at the Festival to seven.
Having grabbed the crown in 2007, he lost it to Denman 12 months later but achieved what no other horse has ever managed to do in regaining it — and he did it in stunning fashion.
Walsh always looked confident on the Paul Nicholls-trained 7-4 favourite and was probably in front sooner than he wanted, but jumped the final two fences brilliantly to reverse the order of last year.
Everyone had hoped for a big clash between Denman and Kauto Star in last year’s renewal but it never really materialised. However, when they turned into the straight alongside each other this time it was the tussle of dreams.
Unfortunately for Denman he has had his problems this season, but after only one run beforehand he performed way above expectations before eventually finding the winner 13 lengths too strong.
Exotic Dancer and Tony McCoy were another two and a half lengths back in third, with Nicholls’ Neptune Collonges running another blinder in fourth.
Walsh said: “He’s the greatest horse I’ve ever ridden. Two miles, three miles, now two Gold Cups. He’s magic, he’s a wonder horse. He travelled super all the way. I planned to follow Christian (Williams on Neptune Collonges) over the second last, but he pinged four out, pinged three out and two out as well. I love him anyway.”
Nicholls said: “He’s fit, he’s fresh, he was never going to get beat today, but what a race Denman ran — two weeks ago you’d have drawn stumps. It was a huge run from him and he’ll be back next year.
“Kauto Star was fresh, very fit and the ground came right. He’s a very good horse.
“My Will finished fifth as well, he ran a blinder. He will go to Aintree now with a massive chance. Neptune Collonges ran a cracking race, the ground had just gone against him.
“But to get Kauto Star here today and Denman to run as good as that will give everyone pleasure as well. What an unbelievable horse Kauto Star is.”
Nicholls added: “We know Kauto has to be fresh and we will just have three runs next season, Down Royal, Kempton and then back for a third Gold Cup.”
Owner Clive Smith added: “I’m staggered. What a wonderful run, the best he’s ever run I think. It’s unbelievable to have won the Champion Chase (with Master Minded) and now this. I can’t believe it.
“I just felt he was in great, great form. Paul and Ruby both said to me that this was the best he’s ever been. The best race of his career, the best of his life, and my life.”
Cheltenham Day Four Results
1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle
1 Zaynar (B J Geraghty) 11-2
2 Walkon (R Thornton) 4-1 Fav
3 Mourad (R Walsh) 14-1
4 Starluck (T J Murphy) 5-1
18 ran
2.05 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
1 American Trilogy (R Walsh) 20-1
2 Stradbrook (R P McLernon) 66-1
3 Cockney Trucker (R Johnson) 17-2
4 Nortonthorpe Lad (D Jacob) 50-1
27 ran
2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
1 Weapon's Amnesty (D N Russell) 8-1
2 Pride Of Dulcote (R Walsh) 3-1 Fav
3 The Midnight Club (Emmet Mullins) 14-1
17 ran
3.20 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup
1 Kauto Star (R Walsh) 7-4 Fav
2 Denman (S Thomas) 7-1
3 Exotic Dancer (A P McCoy) 8-1
16 ran
4.00 Christie's Foxhunters Chase
1 Cappa Bleu (Mr R Burton) 11-2
2 Turthen (Miss C Tizzard) 25-1
3 Baby Run (Mr S Twiston-Davies) 14-1
24 ran
4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
1 Andytown (Felix De Giles) 25-1
2 Midnight Chase (M M O'Connor) 100-1
3 Big Eared Fran (J W Farrelly) 7-2 Fav
4 Font (Harry Skelton) 14-1
23 ran
5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
1 Oh Crick (W Hutchinson) 7-1
2 Moon Over Miami (N Fehily) 20-1
3 French Opera (M Foley) 10-1
4 Tramantano (P J Brennan) 33-1
18 ran