Author: Marc Weinberg

December 27 - Last season Kauto Star looked for all the world like a spent force, giving way to the younger Long Run. But this year the Paul Nicholls' trained superstar has turned back time, belying the fact that he is a few days shy of his twelfth birthday. Yesterday he once again repelled the challenges of the younger would be king when he won his fifth King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, defeating Long Run by a little over a length.

Kauto Star has now made history by winning the race five times. The great Desert Orchid, who captured the hearts of the nation as he courageously won four King Georges, will always have a special spot in the pantheon of jumpers, if only because he was all heart and often saw off horses that were technically superior. Kauto Star is one of those technically superior animals, and yet the ability to win this race five times speaks volumes about the French horse's spirit.

According to his trainer, "He's been great for racing, great for the village, great for Somerset - and great for the whole team...You don't retire a horse or an athlete or a footballer when they are on top of their game.

"As long as he's OK and we're happy with him between now and then we'll have a crack at the Gold Cup.

"Wouldn't it be awesome if he could win that for a third time?"

Indeed it would, and I'll bet that he won't start at 3s for that race. Long Run, who went off at Evens for the King George lost little in defeat, and will win many big races in the years to come, but for now there is one incomparable "superstar" on the scene. He has bested Long Run twice already this season, and is definitely back to his best. It will take a brave punter to go against him at Cheltenham.

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2012/04/02 06:43:16 AM