Kauto Star Makes History Regaining Cheltenham Gold Cup

The magnificent Kauto Star ran one of the most sublime races ever witnessed at Cheltenham and in the process became the first horse ever to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He won going away from his great stable rival and the 2008 winner Denman, who ran a marvellous race to come second. Exotic Dancer was third and Neptune Collonges fourth.

For trainer, Paul Nicholls, he almost emulated his first three home last season, but will be pleased that he got first, second and fourth.

The race was ran at great pace with Neptune Collones taking them along almost from the outset, but by the time of the final circuit he was being ominously tracked by Kauto Star and Denman. Once Kauto's jockey, Ruby Walsh pressed the button Kauto took off and began to go away approaching the last. Neptune Collonges dropped away quite tamely but Denman plugged away like the champion he is and praise too for Exotic Dancer who finished staying on well.

Denman ran a great race in which he travelled beautifully throughout and on this evidence he will almsot certainly be back to try and emulate Kauto Star and become the second horse ever to regain the Gold Cup.

But this was Kauto's Star day, winner of the King George Chase on Boxing Day and a second Gold Cup, Kauto Star will enter Cheltenham folklore and become one of its most endearing legends.

For Ruby Walsh it was his seventh winner of the Festival and for Nicholls it was his fifth

Cheltenham Gold Cup Result

• 1st - Kauto Star, R Walsh, 7-4 Fav
• 2nd - Denman, S Thomas, 7-1
• 3rd - Exotic Dancer, AP McCoy, 8-1

   

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