Kauto Star

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kauto Star (born 19th March 2000) is a French bred National Hunt racehorse, who is currently trained by Paul Nicholls in England.

After a successful beginning to his jumping career in France, Kauto Star (pronounced "Kor-toe") has had an extremely successful career in England. In the 2005/06 season he won the Tingle Creek Chase and was favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase but fell early in the race. The 2006/07 season has proved even more successful for him, having already three Grade 1 events (the Betfair Chase, the Tingle Creek Chase and the King George VI Chase), before winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup ridden by Ruby Walsh in 2007.

His outstanding displays this year have him now holding the highest official rating for a staying chaser since the late, great Desert Orchid (the retired Moscow Flyer had a higher official rating than Kauto Star). The Racing Post rated his win in the Betfair Chase at 184 which was their highest National Hunt rating since Carvill's Hill win in the 1991 Welsh National. Previously known as an outstanding 2 miler, his versatility has been displayed this year with top class displays over both 2 1/2 miles and 3 miles, as well as stepping back down to his old 2 mile trip and beating the very best around with ease. He is the first winner of the Gold Cup since Desert Orchid to have previously ran in one of the other three Grade 1 Championship races at the Cheltenham Festival (Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and World Hurdle). Dorans Pride in 1995 and 1998 and Dawn Run in 1984 and 1986 were the previous horses to be favourite for more than one of these championship races.

His class is not in doubt, however there is a question mark over his jumping. On more than one occasion in the 2006-07 season he has made serious errors at vital stages in races, although he always galvanised himself to win. Only once, at the AON Chase at Newbury, was victory ever in any serious doubt.

His undoubted class, coupled with the apparent 'chink in his armour' (the Racing Post has nicknamed him the "White Knuckle Ride" due to the tension he causes in his supporters) made the 2007 Gold Cup one of the most eagerly anticipated renewals for many years.

Kauto Star won his connections a £1m bonus prize from Betfair for winning the Betfair Chase, King George and Gold Cup in the same season.