Trainer Paul Nicholls led the tributes on Tuesday to his “legendary” chaser Kauto Star, who died on Monday after complications relating to a paddock fall.
Deteriorated
The retired dual Gold Cup and five-time King George VI Chase winner was injured last Wednesday. He was transferred for treatment at one of British racing’s leading equine vet hospitals but was put down on Monday when his condition deteriorated.
Mortified
Nicholls revealed he only learnt of Kauto Star’s injuries and euthanisation yesterday. “Laura Collett kindly called me before there was a press release this morning. That’s the first I knew about it, although I understand the accident happened nearly a week ago,” the champion trainer said. “It’s obviously a very sad day and very sad news to take on board. I’m obviously mortified.”
Prize money
The 15 year old enjoyed a glittering career with the champion trainer after being bought from France as a four year old. He retired from racing after pulling up in the 2012 renewal of the blue riband Gold Cup having won 23 of his 41 races, including 16 Grade 1s, and more than £2.3 million (Dh13.2m) in prize money.
Best mate
“He was like my best mate really. I saw him every day and he was a great horse in every way temperament-wise. When something like this happens it’s awfully sad, but sometimes things are unavoidable. It hasn’t really sunk in, to be honest. Everyone is very upset. It’s happened and we’ve all got to get on.”
Amazing sight
Top jockey Tom Scudamore described Kauto Star as “the best horse I’ve seen and ridden against”. “I remember the King George in 2009, Kauto Star won by a record 36 lengths and I came second on Madison Du Berlais and I remember watching him when he past and thinking ‘I’ve never seen a horse go so well and run so easily’, it was an amazing sight.”
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