Kauto Star made Gold Cup history as he became the first horse to regain the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup at this year’s festival, beating last year’s winner and stable mate Denman.
After winning in 2007, the 7-4 favourite was back to his best under Ruby Walsh. ‘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’.
Everyone had hoped for a clash between the Paul Nicholls trained Kauto Star and Denman but it never really materialised. Ruby Walsh always looked confident and was probably in front sooner than he wanted. After pulling clear of Denman just after the third-last fence, Kauto Star jumped the final two fences brilliantly giving Ruby Walsh his seventh win of this year’s festival.
Nicholls had been confident of the Kauto Stars chances going into the festival. ‘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’.
Cheltenham 3.20: The Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeplechase
- Kauto Star (R Walsh) 7-4 Fav
- Denman (S Thomas) 7-1
- Exotic Dance (A P McCoy) 8-1
16 ran.
Comments on this entry are closed.