Kauto Star: Story of five-time King George VI Chase winner - BBC Sport Kauto Star: Story of five-time King George VI Chase winner By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page Read more about sharing. Kauto Star is the equine star who got the racing world talking with his steeplechase heroics. He created history on Boxing Day 2011 at Kempton Park by becoming the first horse to win a fifth King George VI Chase. The gelding is the only horse to have regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup having lost it, and won a total of 16 Grade One races. Discover more about his story and the team behind a racing hero who has been retired at the age of 12.

Kauto Star Foaled: 19 March, 2000 Breeding: Village Star-Kauto Relka (France) Career placings 21/11F2353/112/21F/111111/211122/1U11-11F-133-P11P Owner says: Horse's name is pronounced 'Kaw-to Star' not "Kay-to Star'. Jockey and trainer once preferred the latter. Bred in France where he was nicknamed 'L'Extraterrestrial'.

Kauto Star factfile Breeding: Village Star-Kauto Relka (France) Races: 41 Wins: 23 Key victories: Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007, 2009); King George VI Chase (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011); Betfair Chase (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011) Height: 16.3 hands high (1.6m from floor to shoulder) Weight: 520-530kg (81-83 stone) In 41 races, he was victorious 23 times, only unplaced on seven occasions and was the first horse to win over £2m in prize money over jumps. Kauto Star ran in the UK for more than seven years, during which time he never finished out of the first three when completing a race.

The French import delivered on his promise during the 2006-07 season, winning all six of his high-class races at six different tracks, over distances ranging from two miles to more than three-and-a-quarter miles. In 2009 he became the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup, having lost to stablemate Denman the previous year. Just as many felt he was heading towards retirement, he won the Betfair Chase at Haydock for the fourth time in November 2011 and then followed it up by creating history in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. What now for Kauto Star? Analysis "Racing's marketing folk will have their work cut out with the retirement of Kauto Star coming hot on the heels of Frankel's exit to stud. The two have done wonders for racing's public profile, particularly 'Kauto' with his endearing ability to bounce back after setbacks, as well as his big-race successes. Now the sport is bereft of two charismatic performers within 11 days of each other.

As Kauto Star is spoken of in the same hushed tones as the legendary Arkle (1960s), Red Rum ('70s) and Desert Orchid (late '80s/early '90s), we mayhave a wait for the next jumping great. " Two of horse racing's all-time greats have been retired in the space of 11 days - but they are set for very different futures. While the world's top-rated Flat horse Frankel goes off to stud for a breeding career where earnings could top £100m, Kauto Star - a gelding, and therefore castrated - will have a more leisurely time. Owner Clive Smith says the brilliant steeplechaser is likely to stay with his trainer Paul Nicholls in Somerset until the end of the year before he is moved to new stables near his Surrey home. "He's done all his work now and deserves a lordly retirement. It'll be nice to see him more often. His income will be nothing now, but that's not important to me," said Smith.

A rare mix of talent, versatility and courage, the horse will be remembered as a National Hunt icon alongside names such as triple Gold Cup winners Arkle and Best Mate, three-time Grand National victor Red Rum and Desert Orchid, who won the King George on four occasions. Trainer - Paul Nicholls Born: 17 April 1962 Alveston, Bristol Big wins: Gold Cup 1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman, 2009 Kauto Star; Champion Chase Call Equiname 1999, Azertyuiop 2004, Master Minded 2008, 2009; Grand National Neptune Collonges 2012 He says: "Kauto Star is a once-in-a-lifetime horse." The son of a policeman, Nicholls was a jump jockey in the 1980s and won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury twice. He was assistant trainer to Devon-based David Barons, and was there when the stable sent out Seagram to win the 1991 Grand National at Aintree.

Nicholls took out a licence at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, Somerset, later that year. He wrested the top trainer title in 2006 from West country rival Martin Pipe, who retired on the day Nicholls was crowned champion, and has been on top ever since. He is good friends with another sporting winner - Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who part-owns the Nicholls-trained horse What A Friend. Nicholls won the Grand National for the first time, after 52 unsuccessful runners, with Neptune Collonges in April 2012. Usual jockey - Ruby Walsh Born: 14 May, 1979.

Kill, County Kildare Big wins: Grand National, 2000 Papillon, 2005 Hedgehunter; Gold Cup 2007 Kauto Star, 2009 Kauto Star; Champion Chase Azertyuiop 2004, Master Minded 2008, 2009; Champion Hurdle Hurricane Fly 2011 He says: "I loved every minute of riding Kauto Star." Dreamed of winning the Gold Cup ever since, aged six, he saw his dad Ted on TV winning the amateurs' version - the Foxhunters' Chase - in 1986 on Attitude Adjuster. In the same week, great Irish mare Dawn Run won the blue riband. Ruby, who was christened Rupert, won the Grand National with Papillon for his father Ted in 2000 and again on the Willie Mullins-trained Hedgehunter five years later. Famed for his horsemanship and patient riding style, the prematurely grey-haired jockey makes sitting still look an art form. Walsh was a former scrum-half for his local rugby club Naas in Kildare and is a passionate Manchester United fan.

He says if Kauto Star was a footballer, he would be former United star Cristiano Ronaldo. "Kauto would be the guy who can score from anywhere but likes to beat the extra player before he does," says Walsh, who won 17 times on the horse. Owner - Clive Smith Age: 69 Background: Went to school in Windsor. Lives in Surrey. Business success: Designing and building pay-and-play golf courses. Racing success: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 King George, 2007 & 2009 Gold Cup Kauto Star; 2008 & 2009 Champion Chase Master Minded He says: "Having Kauto Star has been the journey of a lifetime." Smith and his partner Janet Fleetwood slept with the Gold Cup on their bedside table after his first Cheltenham win. He had dreamed of winning the trophy since attending his first Cheltenham Festival in 1974, and seeing Captain Christy triumph.

The silver-haired businessman, who made his personal fortune after spotting a gap in the market for decent public golf courses, bought Kauto Star in 2004 for about 400,000 euros. The purchase nearly never happened as the owner's main target was Garde Champetre until he was outbid by Irish multi-millionaire JP McManus. A racehorse owner for more than 20 years, with trainers including Jenny Pitman and Martin Pipe, he has suffered the bad moments as well as the highs. Smith's purple, green and yellow colours are taken from the heather-clad scenery of Camberley Heath golf course where he was once captain. His breakthrough business golf course was Hawthorn Hill, which he later sold for a reported £8m. It was on the site of a former racecourse. Most significant others Head lad Clifford Baker rode Kauto Star out every day. Stable girls Donna Blake and Rose Loxton have looked after and groomed the hoose. Bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley found the horse in France and bought him for Smith.

Share this page Nicholls leads tributes to 'legendary' Kauto Star racehorse Nicholls leads tributes to 'legendary' Kauto Star racehorse Pin it Share Jockey Ruby Walsh wins the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Kauto Star (AFP Photo/Carl de Souza) More London (AFP) - Trainer Paul Nicholls led the tributes on Tuesday to his "legendary" chaser Kauto Star, who has died after complications relating to a paddock fall. The retired dual Gold Cup and five-time King George VI Chase hero injured himself last Wednesday. He was transferred for intensive treatment at one of British racing's leading equine vet hospitals but had to be put down on Monday when his condition deteriorated. "RIP my friend you were a true Legend. Once in a lifetime," Nicholls tweeted. The 15-year-old Kauto Star's owner, Clive Smith , was present for the premature end to a remarkable racehorse who lit up the British racing stage for much of this century "I am devastated," Smith told The Racing Post.

"He had been turned out.....in the paddock, as has been done normally with him at this time for years, and he looks to have jumped something, and stumbled, we're not really sure, but he injured himself - and it became obvious it was serious. "The vets at Valley Equine Hospital did all they could but it became increasingly apparent the injuries were too serious and that it was in the horse's interests to be put down." Bred in France, he was spotted by a bloodstock agent and purchased for Smith and sent to champion trainer Nicholls whose expert guidance helped Kauto Star develop into a chasing superstar. In all he won 16 Grade Ones, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009, when he became the first horse to reclaim chasing's blue riband. He was a regular at Kempton's Boxing Day meeting, winning every King George from 2006 to 2011 except for 2010, when he took third. His last ever racecourse appearance came in the Gold Cup on March 16, 2012, when having suffered a bad fall in his build-up he was pulled up.

Top jockey Tom Scudamore described Kauto Star as "the best horse I've seen and ridden against". He added: "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." Reblog The 7 greatest Cheltenham Gold Cup horses ever : Features : Cheltenham The 7 greatest Cheltenham Gold Cup horses ever Free Bet Dan Fitch takes a look at Kauto Star, Best Mate, Arkle and the other greatest ever Cheltenham Gold Cup horses. The Gold Cup is the highlight of the Cheltenham festival. To win it once is an outstanding achievement. To win it more than once guarantees horse racing immortality. Here are the 7 greatest ever Cheltenham Gold Cup horses. 7. Easter Hero - 2 Gold Cup Wins Easter Hero is often referred to as one of the greatest horses to never win the Grand National, where it was disappointed on three occasions, but it did twice taste victory at the Gold Cup.

In 1929 and again in 1930, Easter Hero won the Gold Cup by more than twenty lengths. Despite never winning the National, many experts think that Easter Hero was the greatest steeplechaser before Arkle came along. 6. L'Escargot - 2 Gold Cup Wins Though most famous for beating Red Rum in the 1975 Grand National, L'Escargot had already made his name by twice winning the Gold Cup, in 1970 and 1971. L'Escargot's first Gold Cup victory in 1970 was notable for the fact that it started as a 33/1 outsider. Only the 100/1 winner Norton's Coin has ever won a Gold Cup at longer odds. 5. Kauto Star - 2 Gold Cup Wins The French-bred Kauto Star is the only horse to have regained a Gold Cup and has also the only horse to win the King George VI Chase four consecutive times. Having won the Gold Cup as favourite in 2007, Kauto Star was beaten by his stablemate Denman in 2008.

The Paul Nicholls horse bounced back to regain the Gold Cup in 2009, as he defeated Denman by 13 lengths, with a run described by Timeform as: "Arguably the best performance in the race since Arkle." 4. Cottage Rake - 3 Gold Cup Wins Cottage Rake was failed by a vet on three separate examinations, before embarking on a jumping career in which the horse won three Cheltenham Gold Cups. Consecutive victories in 1948,1949 and 1950 saw Cottage Rake become only the second horse to win the Gold Cup three times in a row. After his third victory, Cottage Rake completely lost form, but had already done enough to write it's name into the history books. 3. Best Mate - 3 Gold Cup Wins Best Mate won three consecutive Gold Cups between 2002 and 2004. It is possible that the horse and jockey Jim Culloty would have gone on to eclipse the legendary Arkle and win a fourth Gold Cup, but Best Mate pulled out of the race in 2005 having burst a blood vessel just eight days before the race.

That same year, Best Mate hit the front pages, after he suffered a heart attack and died while racing at Exeter. Best Mate's ashes were buried beside the winning post at Cheltenham, where he had enjoyed so many triumphs. 2. Arkle - 3 Gold Cup Wins Arkle won the Gold Cup in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Such was Arkle's dominance at the time, that it is likely that he would have gone on to win the race again, but a fractured pedal bone saw the horse put out for retirement. At 212, Arkle's Timeform rating is still the highest ever awarded to a steeplechaser (Kauto Star is the joint third highest ever on 191). Arkle also holds the record of being the shortest priced favourite in any Gold Cup, having triumphed in 1966 at 1/10. 1. Golden Miller - 5 Gold Cup Wins The most successful Gold Cup horse of all time was Golden Miller, who won the race five times consecutively between 1932 and 1936.

As there was no Gold Cup staged in either 1931 or 1937, it's possible that the thoroughbred could have had an even better record. As well as having won more Gold Cups than any other horse, Golden Miller also remains the only horse to have won the Cheltenham classic and the Grand National in the same year. In 1934 Golden Miller won the Gold Cup, before going on to break the Aintree track record in the National. Read More Cheltenham Kauto Star: Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner put down - BBC Sport Kauto Star: Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner put down 30 Jun 2015 From the section Horse Racing Share this page Read more about sharing. Kauto Star was owned by Clive Smith and trained by Paul Nicholls Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star has been put down after suffering neck and pelvis injuries in a fall. The gelding won 23 of his 41 races, including five King George VI Chases. The 15-year-old moved to dressage after retiring from racing in 2012.

His rider Laura Collett said: "Devastated to announce Kauto Star sustained injury in the field, with his best interest at heart a decision was made to put him to sleep." BBC's horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght on Kauto "A wide range of sports fans, not just racing's, will be saddened by Kauto Star's death. "He took the lead role, with fellow Paul Nicholls-trained runner Denman, in a golden era, helping steeplechasing to, as they say, gallop off the racing pages and into the main headlines. "Like so many athletes there were times when 'Kauto' was written off, and my favourite memory is when he bounced back in the 2011 Betfair Chase, sweeping aside his rivals at odds of 6-1. "A final thought: how ironic that after walking away from some crashing falls on the course, it was one quietly in his paddock that brought about the end." Owner Clive Smith told BBC Radio 5 live: "It is really devastating - he was looking fit and well at Laura Collett's yard. The main injury was to the neck, as it gets worse it attacks the spinal cord. He also fractured his pelvic bone.

A really sad time indeed. "He had a great talent for never giving up. He wanted to win. With jockey Ruby Walsh riding him, he put this massive effort in at the end of races. He had a heart of a lion." He added: "The vets made him comfortable but the kindest thing was to euthanise him. It was a horrible moment. He was such a wonderful horse, but he did not suffer." Paul Nicholls, who trained Kauto to his famous victories, told BBC Somerset: "Kauto was such a big part of that team. We'll never have one as good as him. Sixteen Grade One wins on all those plaques [referring to those honouring the horse at his yard]. "He touched a lot of hearts. People like to follow a horse and they could do that with Kauto a number of years. You can see the reaction on social media - it's absolutely incredible." And 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy told BBC Radio 5 live Kauto Star was the "complete horse".

Edward Gillespie, who was in charge of Cheltenham Racecourse during Kauto's successes in 2007 and 2009, told BBC Radio Bristol: "I was at Paul Nicholls' yard yesterday and saw the plaques for winning horses - Kauto has an entire wall. "Some of us are old enough to remember three-time Gold Cup winner Arkle. Kauto is the only horse you can talk about in the same breath as Arkle. Racing will be mourning today." Kauto Star won four successive King George VI Chases from 2006-2009 Kauto Star became the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup after losing it to Denman in 2008, and also made history by winning a fifth King George VI Chase, on Boxing Day in 2011.

Kauto Star factfile KAUTO STAR Print, King George VI Steeplechase Limited Edition Horse Racing Art by Denise Finney National Hunt Order of Merit (2006/07, 2007/08) Horse (Equus ferus caballus) Kauto Star (foaled March 19, 2000) is a French-bred National Hunt racehorse, who is currently trained by Paul Nicholls in Somerset, England. Kauto Star is one of the most successful National Hunt horses of all time. Ultra consistent, incredibly tough and extremely versatile, he possesses a devastating turn of foot, a unique talent among staying chasers. He holds numerous records in the sport; he was the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is the only horse to have won the King George VI Chase four consecutive times, as well as winning it five times in all. Kauto Star first came to the attention of Paul Nicholls when he saw a video of him in action at Auteuil. Nicholls was so impressed with what he saw that he sought to arrange a purchase through his bloodstock agent in France, Anthony Bromley.

Nicholls arranged an owner in the shape of Clive Smith who was looking to purchase a horse and had recently had a 500,000 guineas offer for another horse (Garde Champetre) outbid by J. P. McManus. He used 400,000 euros to purchase Kauto Star from his French owners. Early career After a promising Hurdle career in France where he was known as 'L'Extraterrestre' which translates to 'The Extraterrestrial' Kauto Star made a successful debut in England, winning a Novice Chase at Newbury beating Foreman by 9 lengths. Unfortunately he could only finish runner-up on his next appearance in an extraordinary race at Exeter beaten by Mistral De La Cour by a short head, Kauto Star had cantered into a 12-length lead approaching the second last fence when he fell, his jockey Ruby Walsh was able to re-mount the horse, without his irons they jumped the last and chased the leader down just failing by a nose. Another half stride and he would have got up to win.

Sadly he picked up an injury in the race, which ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival and the rest of the season. 2005/06 Season: Kauto Star started the new season with defeat over two miles and a furlong at Exeter to Monkerhostin. He followed this up though with an excellent one and a half length defeat of Ashley Brook in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, the first of his numerous Grade One successes. This meant that Kauto Star came into the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival as the 2/1 Favourite, unfortunately for his supporters the horse fell at only the third fence. 2006/07 Season: Kauto Star came into the new season with high hopes and expectations. He didn't let any one down on his seasonal reappearance destroying Armaturk by 21 lengths in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree.

Over the next six weeks Kauto Star confirmed himself as the leading chaser in training, completing the first two legs of the Betfair Million thrashing multiple Grade One winner Beef or Salmon by 17 lengths in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park and then overcoming a final fence blunder to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park by 8 lengths defeating Exotic Dancer. In between these two excellent successes over 3 miles, he was able to show his fantastic versatility by dropping back to 2 miles to win the Tingle Creek Chase for the second year running defeating the 2006/07 season Champion Chaser Voy Por Ustedes by 7 lengths. Kauto Star then had his final prep run before Cheltenham Gold Cup in the Aon Chase at Newbury, another final fence blunder meant Kauto Star had to battle all the way to line to defeat L'Ami by a neck, although he never looked like being passed. The 2007 Gold Cup: After 5 straight victories, Kauto Star then headed into the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a very warm favourite, on the day he was sent off the very short priced 5/4.

Despite the concerns beforehand about Kauto's jumping he put in an immaculate round of fences, tracking the leaders in mid-division, before cruising into the lead before the second last, he then jumped the final fence to the roars of the Cheltenham crowd seeing off old rival Exotic Dancer by 2 and a half lengths to confirm himself the new superstar of National Hunt racing. With victory here Kauto Star won his connections a £1 million bonus, as a result of completing the Betfair Million and was also the winner of the British Horseracing Authority's Jumps Order of Merit. 2007/08 Season: Pre-season excitement: Punters were extremely excited ahead of the 2007/08 season as a fantastic showdown loomed between Kauto Star and another of Paul Nicholls' horses Denman, winner of last season's Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, the top race for novice staying chasers. Nicholls vowed to keep the pair apart for the season, culminating in a mouth watering potential showdown in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Kauto Star began the current campaign as he had the season before in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree he faced just 3 rivals giving weight away all round, commentators and pundits stated beforehand that Kauto Star didn't look right in his coat in the parade ring and his trainer Paul Nicholls stated he wouldn't be surprised if the horse got beat, as he needed the run. Kauto ran very uncharacteristically receiving reminders from Ruby Walsh a long way from home and was beaten a length by 2½ mile Aintree specialist Monet's Garden, giving the winner a stone in weight. His trainer proved to be right though as Kauto Star, partnered by Sam Thomas on this occasion as regular jockey Ruby Walsh was out injured with a dislocated shoulder, defended his Betfair Chase crown at Haydock Park, defeating a decent field, led by his old adversary Exotic Dancer who he saw off by half a length. Paul Nicholls then chose to miss this season's Tingle Creek Chase due to its closer proximity to Kauto Star's next target, the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park this season.

This proved another astute performance from the horse's trainer as Kauto Star put in what was possibly his finest performance yet, cruising into an easy lead rounding the bend to the home straight, Kauto eased to an 11-length victory over Our Vic. Injury Scare: The horse's final preparation for the Cheltenham Gold Cup was to be at Ascot in the Ascot Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs. Kauto Star easily reversed the Aintree form on level weights with Monet's Garden recording an 8-length victory. The real drama came in the hours after the race. In the early evening, Kauto Star's Gold Cup odds began to inexplicably lengthen on the Betting Exchanges, drifting until finally the Gold Cup betting was suspended by online bookmakers. It was then reported that Kauto Star was believed to have been found lame behind and that he was injured and set to miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

A statement the following day from Paul Nicholls revealed that the vet had examined Kauto that morning and found him to have an infection in one of his hind hoofs, the injury wasn't as serious as first thought and after rest the horse would be fit and well, ready to line up at Cheltenham on March 14. The 2008 Gold Cup: Horse racing fans were eagerly awaiting this season's Gold Cup clash between Kauto Star and his stablemate Denman. Kauto was odds on favourite to retain his crown, although many anticipated an enthralling and very close race. However, he was sent off at 10-11 favourite to retain his crown with Denman drifting on the day to 9-4. The race, though was an entirely different matter with Kauto Star looking off the pace and jumping poorly. Denman romped home to win by seven lengths with Kauto Star bravely battling on in the soft ground to hold second place over Neptune Collonges. Speculation to Kauto's well being arose after the race but not wanting to take anything away from Denman, the worthy winner. However, Kauto Star did not seem to be the same horse as in any of his previous races.

His jumping seemed to have declined and he didn't display any turn-of-foot which Kauto Star is characteristically renowned for, as not many National Hunt horses display a great turn-of-foot as by come the end of the race stamina has normally been fully exerted. But Kauto Star normally manages to accelerate further away from his rivals (as he so brilliantly did in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup), leaving speculation as to him still carrying an injury. Had Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup he would have again earned an extra £1million for completion of the Betfair Million having also previously won the Betfair Chase and King George VI Chase earlier in the season. Final Race of the Season: Kauto Star lost again in what would be his last race of the season, going down by a narrow defeat to Ryanair winner Our Vic in the Totesport Bowl at Aintree, however this second placed finish ensured he won the 2008 Order of Merit title, becoming the first horse to win this two seasons in succession. Clive D.

Smith put the nature of this defeat down to Kauto's busy and consuming season and also the short time window between the Cheltenham Gold Cup only the month before. 2008/09 Season: After beginning his season winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal, Kauto Star unseated stand-in jockey Sam Thomas (Ruby Walsh being out injured with a ruptured spleen) at the final fence in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, which he had won for the previous two years. As he may well not have won the race had he not blundered, some claimed that he was now in decline. He proved such doubters wrong with an impressive third consecutive victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, equalling Wayward Lad's total of wins and now behind only Desert Orchid. There had been a gamble on Kauto before the race, ensuring that he started at odds-on (10-11), whereas it had previously looked likely that, unlike in his previous two wins in the race, he would start at odds against.

After Kauto's third defeat off a short break between races at Haydock Paul Nicholls had come to the conclusion that Kauto Star was best run fresh and super fit, so he would be going straight to Cheltenham in an attempt to regain the ultimate prize, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The 2009 Gold Cup: Kauto Star then went on to win the 2009 Gold Cup defeating Denman and becoming the first horse in history to regain his Cheltenham Crown. Kauto put in a breathtaking performance to win the contest by 13 lengths, a performance Timeform called "arguably the best performance in the race since Arkle" and "ending once and for all any doubt about his place among the greats".[2] After the race, Ruby Walsh, the top jockey at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival was quoted as saying: "He's (Kauto Star) the greatest horse I've ever ridden.".[3] Kauto Star was given an Official Rating of 186 on the back of this Performance.

2009/10 Season: The Betfair Chase: On Saturday 21 November, Kauto Star made it a hat-trick of victories in the Betfair Chase having previously won the race in 2006 and 2007. He won by the narrowest of margins over the Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander, who rallied well to answer the callings of Paddy Brennan but to fail only by a nose. However, nothing is to be taken away from Kauto Star in his manner of victory, he won in a gutsy display of stamina and courage on ever decreasing, unfavourable ground and on a course that has proven not to be one of his favourites. King George VI Chase: Saturday 26 December 2009 proved to be a historic day as Kauto Star went on to win his fourth consecutive King George VI Chase. In doing so he equalled Desert Orchid's record of four victories over five years. In the race, as Kauto Star cruised up on the outside of long time leader Nacarat rounding the home turn, he was travelling so well that a roar went up from the Kempton crowd as they sensed something special was about to happen.

That it was, as Kauto Star effortlessly pulled away to win in record breaking style. The official winning distance was 36 lengths, a new record in the race, breaking Arkle's 44 year old record of 30 lengths. It was a performance described by all who saw it as "faultless" and the best of his career to date, he earnt a Racing Post Rating of 192, the highest ever awarded to a National Hunt horse. He has been given a Timeform rating of 191, (the highest given to a horse since the 1960s), making him the third highest rated of all time (joint with Mill House) and only behind Flyingbolt (210) and Arkle (212). Cheltenham Gold Cup 2010: Sent off a very short price for the 2010 Gold Cup, Kauto Star was strongly fancied to land his third gold cup.

He spent the early part of the race travelling well and at the 7th fence put in a spectacular jump to go into second place, he looked to put in an equally big jump at the 8th fence before seeming to change his mind just after take off and crashed through the fence. This knocked him back to 5th and despite getting back into contention never recovered the fluidity of earlier in the race. At the 4th last fence known as the downhill fence and when in 5th place Kauto Star fell awkwardly, landing on his neck.[4] However to the relief of everyone at the track he got to his feet and seemed to be unscathed. In the end stablemate Denman finished second to Imperial Commander who won for the Nigel Twiston-Davies team. Kauto Star was readily applauded in front of the stands upon his return to the saddling area. 2010/2011 Season: Kauto began his season winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal for the 2nd time with a workmanlike performance but his round of fencing was faultless. It seems he was suffering no ill effects of his crashing fall in the Gold Cup the previous season.

King George VI Chase: He went on to attempt to win a record breaking 5th consecutive King George in the rearranged meeting in January. Despite being at the veteran age of 11 he was still sent off the odds on favourite. But from the outset he was never travelling and jumping with any fluency and he looked beaten when blundering at the 2nd last, a mistake which cost him 2nd place. In the aftermath of the race there were calls for the horse to be retired as there was a belief by many people that age had caught up with the great chaser. But it was found he was suffering from a low grade infection and had bled during the race. Paul Nicholls rubbished the idea of retiring him and said he would be heading to the Gold Cup. The Cheltenham Gold Cup: The Cheltenham Gold Cup marked the first time Kauto Star had not started favourite for a race since his first run outside novice company in November 2005. His starting price of 5/1 was also only the 3rd time since that day he had not started at odds on.

The Gold Cup would prove that trainer Paul Nicholls was correct in not retiring the great champion, as he belied his age and alongside his titanic stablemate Denman, he put in a superb performance to finish 3rd behind Long Run the 7-2 favourite. The race has been hailed as one of the best races of all time, 2 heroic veterans in Kauto and Denman dethroned by the brilliant young horse Long Run. It was the symbolic changing of the guard that befits this golden age of steeplechasers. Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup: Kauto Star ran in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown (4 May), starting as 10/11 Favorite, however was pulled up by Ruby Walsh. The Irish jockey reported him after the race as 'never travelling'. Follow The Plan went on to win the race. Speculation then surrounded potential retirement plans, although connections expressed interest in one more race.

2011/12 Season: The Betfair Chase: On Saturday 19 November, Kauto Star made it four victories in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park having previously won the race in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He won by eight lengths from Long Run having made most of the running.[5] Many hailed this as one of the greatest comebacks ever seen as Kauto Star had defeated his newest foe Long Run, the previous season's King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. King George VI Chase: On the 26th of December 2011, Kauto Star became the first horse to win the King George VI Chase a record 5 times. He beat the previous season's Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase winner Long Run by a length and a quarter, albeit with jockey Ruby Walsh stood up in his irons celebrating this monumentous occasion. He propelled his way into the history books overcoming Desert Orchid's 4 wins and to be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

The 2011 season has shown so far that Kauto Star is not yet ready to hand over the mantel to the young pretender, Long Run until maybe he himself at least can achieve winning the Betfair Chase, King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season, creating his own destiny. Records & Statistics: Probably Kautos most impressive statistic is his record in Grade 1 Chases. In his first six years in Britain he competed in 18 Grade 1 races over distances from 2 miles to 3 & 1/4 miles. He completed 15, winning 14, with his solitary 2nd coming in the 2008 Gold Cup to his stablemate Denman. With his 2011 Gold Cup 3rd Kauto kept his record of never finishing outside the places in any of his 27 completed races in his 7 seasons in Britain. His official rating of 193 given after his 4th King George win was the highest ever awarded to a Steeplechaser. He's the only horse to have won the King George 5 times.

He's the only horse to have ever regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He's the only horse to have ever won two separate Grade 1 (or Group 1) races over 4 times (Betfair Chase 4 times & King George 5 times). He also won both races under three different Prime Ministers! He has won more prize money than any other National Hunt horse in the history of the sport* He is the only horse to win Grade 1 races in 7 consecutive seasons. He is the only horse to have won 16 Grade 1 races in total. Along with Denman he has competed at the Cheltenham festival 6 times in a row, this is not a record (The Dikler ran in seven consecutive Gold Cups from 1970-76), but still a brilliant example of Paul Nicholls' training abilities. 50 greatest horses of all time - Country Life Country Life 0shares 0shares Mark Hedges and Kate Green pay tribute to the 50 greatest equines to have touched British culture. He rewrote the history books: Anne, Duchess of Westminster's Arkle and his jockey Pat Taaffe, surrounded by ecstatic racegoers. 1.

Arkle (steeplechaser) The late racing commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan called him a ‘freak of nature’ and handicappers had two weighting systems—for when he was running and when he wasn’t but the fame of ‘Himself’ stretched far beyond his hat-trick of Cheltenham Gold Cups (1964–66) and 1964 Irish Grand National victory. Stamps and tea towels were emblazoned with his image, songs were written (‘Look behind you Willie Robinson, man what are you about?’), the slogan ‘Arkle for President’ was painted on a Dublin wall and letters addressed to ‘Arkle, Ireland’ always made it to his stable door. 2. Red Rum (steeplechaser) Galloping on the Southport sands may have been the key to car dealer Ginger McCain’s training of Red Rum, because the three-time Grand National winner (1973, 1974 and 1977)—he also finished second twice—had poor feet.

In retirement, he opened supermarkets, switched on the Blackpool Illuminations and appeared on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year broadcast—a public survey of the best-known horse in 2007 had 45% naming ‘Rummy’, ahead of Black Beauty (33%) and Shergar (23%). 3. Frankel (Flat racehorse) The Thoroughbred of the millennium, unbeaten in 14 races of all the horses trained by the charismatic Sir Henry Cecil, by then dying of cancer, the best was unquestionably saved for last. Mind-blowing performances rolled in one after the other, none more spectacular than his victory in the 2,000 Guineas in 2011. 4. Charisma (eventer) The lanky New Zealander Mark Todd and the ‘fat, hairy pony’ became legends, winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals for New Zealand in 1984 and 1988, by which time ‘Podge’ was 16. The pair had a great bond—the horse would follow his rider around like a dog. The only horse to have opened the Commonwealth Games. Red Rum does it again, 1977. 5.

Milton (showjumper) The dazzling grey, the sport’s first millionaire in prize money, floated over fences like a mythical creature from Narnia in a dream partnership with brilliant Yorkshire horseman John Whitaker, winning medals galore and two World Cup finals. 6. Valegro (dressage) For years, Britain was the underdog in dressage, but all that changed when Charlotte Dujardin—‘the girl with the dancing horse’ and the cobby little bay-roan Valegro arrived. The Olympic, world and two-time European champions have broken every record, but, best of all, ‘Blueberry’ hasa delightful temperament and adores the lap of honour. 7. Warrior (war horse) The extraordinary survival of Gen Jack Seely’s horse in the mud and misery of the First World War—he subsequently ran in point-to-points—mirrors that of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse hero, Joey. ‘The horse the Germans couldn’t kill’ was given a post-humous PDSA Dickin Medal in 2014. 8. Desert Orchid (steeplechaser) The powerful grey that liked to take hair-raising leaps from outside the wings had a huge fan club.

His 34 victories included the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup and four King George VI Chases. Milton, the horse that won £1 million, with John Whitaker. 9. Priceless (eventer) Brilliant cross-country horse that was described as taking corners like a motorbike and never once refused. Ridden by Ginny Holgate (now Elliot), he won Badminton, Burghley, world and European titles, plus two Olympic medals in 1984. 10. Pirata (polo pony) Played 13 high-goal seasons consecutively from 1998 with Argentine brothers Matias and Pablo MacDonough; the former says: ‘He had a lot of courage and a big heart. On him, I always felt very confident.’ 11. Foxhunter (showjumper) He and Sir Harry Llewellyn won 78 international competitions and captured public imagination with the only British gold medal at the 1952 Olympics. 12. Copenhagen (cavalry horse) The Duke of Wellington’s favourite charger, the 15hh chestnut stallion survived the Peninsular War and the carnage at Waterloo.

‘For bottom and endurance, I never saw his fellow,’ said the Duke. When the horse died in 1836, he was afforded full military honours and buried at Stratfield Saye. Copenhagen, the Duke of Wellington’s great survivor. 13. Eclipse (Flat racehorse) ‘Eclipse first, the rest nowhere’ went the saying. Studies show that virtually all modern racehorses are descended from this sensational 18th-century stallion. 14. Nijinsky (Flat racehorse) Galloped into the history books under the legendary Lester Piggott in 1970 by winning the British Triple Crown, a feat that no horse has achieved since. 15. Golden Miller (steeplechaser) He not only won five Cheltenham Gold Cups, but, in 1934, the Grand National, too. He ground down his opponents with his relentless pace. 16. Stroller (showjumper) The only pony to have competed at the Olympics, he could have limbo-ed under the enormous fences he took on with such gusto.

The astonishing 14.2hh won a silver medal with Marion Coakes at the 1968 Mexico Olympics at the age of 18. My little pony: Stroller and Marion Coakes descend the precipitous Hickstead Derby Bank. 17. Sam (eventer) The alliance of this unremarkable-looking but genuine horse and the extraordinary talents of his German rider Michael Jung has rewritten eventing history: they’re the first pair to hold Olympic, world and European titles simultaneously. See them in action at Burghley this weekend. 18. Brigadier Gerard (Flat racehorse) Named after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s hero, he won 13 Group 1 races in the 1970s and was beaten once in 18 starts. 19. Kauto Star (steeplechaser) One of the most charismatic steeplechasers of the modern era, whose spectacular—if occasionally erratic jumping thrilled and alarmed in equal measure. Sadly, the record five-time King George VI Chase and two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner died recently after an accident in retirement. 20.

Sefton (cavalry horse) Gallant Household Cavalry horse that miraculously survived the IRA bombings in Hyde Park in 1982; he underwent eight hours of surgery, becoming a national symbol of defiance against terrorism. Sefton inspects his mounds of get-well cards and gifts. 21. Cornishman V (eventer) The tall bay horse and his slight blonde rider Mary Gordon Watson inspired generations of Pony Clubbers, winning Olympic team gold in Munich (the horse also won gold under Richard Meade in Mexico) plus world and European titles. Ridden by John Oaksey, he jumped a car for the film Dead Cert. 22. Mill Reef (Flat racehorse) A beautiful mover that glided over the turf, his temperament was quiet enough for Clare Balding, his trainer’s two-year-old daughter, to sit on him unattended and was probably what saved him when he broke his leg. Had a record six successive Group 1 wins in the early 1970s, plus the Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and lives on through successful progeny. 23.

Dancing Brave (Flat racehorse) The boss of his generation, he won eight of his 10 starts between 1985 and 1986, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and was a prolific sire. 24. Chesney (polo pony) The most sought-after pony of the 1980s, synonymous with Mexican 10-goaler Carlos Gracida, and winner of the Best Playing Pony award at the British Open Gold Cup three times. Rich patrons reputedly offered huge sums, but owner David Jamison turned them down. Dressage star Valegro struts his stuff. 25. Sea The Stars (Flat racehorse) ‘This is one of the greats,’ whispered jockey Mick Kinane to trainer John Oxx after winning the 2009 Epsom Derby. Although the colt never won by huge margins, he took six Group 1 races on the trot, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. 26. Avebury (eventer) Charming grey named after a World Heritage Site, bred and ridden by crack Kiwi horseman Andrew Nicholson.

They made history with a third consecutive Burghley victory last year (no other horse has even won this testing event back to back). Sadly, they’ll miss a fourth attempt at Burghley due to Andrew’s recent bad fall. 27. Aldaniti (steeplechaser) Produced the most tear-jerking Grand National win in history in 1981. Horse and jockey, Bob Champion, had been written off, the former with injury and the latter with cancer. Their story was made into the film Champions, starring John Hurt. 28. Boomerang (showjumper) The most successful horse in the history of the Hickstead Derby, winning four times in succession (1976–79) with magical Irish rider Eddie Macken. Big jump. little horse. Charisma makes nothing of a huge Badminton fence. 29. Hello Sanctos (showjumper) Brilliant horse that was instrumental in Britain’s team gold medal at the London Olympic Games. His numerous wins have elevated his young rider, Scott Brash, to world number one status. The pair will have a crack at the €1 million Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows, Canada, this month. 30.

Mister Softee (showjumper) Popular chestnut ridden by household name David Broome; they won European titles in 1967 and 1969 and a bronze medal at the Mexico Olympics. 31. Istabraq (hurdler) A fluent jumper with a potent turn of foot, he was sent to Aidan O’Brien, the up-and-coming trainer of the time, and, after his 1998 debut at Punchestown, was sent out favourite for every race he lined up for. Won three Champion Hurdles. 32. Whistlejacket (icon) The Marquess of Rockingham’s celebrated racehorse makes the list for his heart-stopping image in the National Gallery; Stubbs’s 1762 painting is a lifesize work on the scale usually reserved for kings. Leap of faith: Richard Meade and The Poacher launch off the Normandy Bank at Badminton. 33. The Poacher (eventer) When Richard Meade won Badminton on him in 1970, he had asked friends to holloa halfway round to keep the horse interested.

The only horse to have won Great and Little Badminton (with owner Capt Martin Whiteley in 1965), he was the backbone of British teams in a golden era, securing medals galore, including gold at the Mexico Olympics. 34. Ready Teddy (eventer) Irrepressible chestnut whose sensational jumping won him Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics aged only eight. With New Zealander Blyth Tait, he won the world title in 1998 and Burghley in 2001 and once managed to climb out of his stable. 35. Totilas (dressage) Record-breaking, extravagant-moving black stallion that lifted dressage to a different meridian with Dutch rider Edward Gal until 2010, when he was sensationally sold to Germany for millions. He dramatically lost form with a new rider and has now been retired after a humiliating European Championships. 36. Dawn Run (top racing mare) Who doesn’t feel goosebumps at the memory of Sir Peter O’Sullevan shouting hoarsely ‘The mare’s beginning to get up’?

The only horse to have landed the Champion Hurdle/Cheltenham Gold Cup double, in 1984/1986. Sir Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter, the pair that put showjumpng on the map. 37. Best Mate (steeplechaser) Handsome, athletic bay gelding forever associated with National Hunt’s great double act, Henrietta Knight and her late husband, Terry Biddlecombe. Picture-perfect to look at, he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2004. His ashes are buried beside the finishing post. 38. Lastic (showjumper) The grey gelding on which a reluctant Nick Skelton broke the British showjumping high-jump record, by clearing 7ft 7in at Olympia in 1978. 39. Ryan’s Son (showjumper) John Whitaker’s old-fashioned Irish heavyweight had a distinctive white blaze, a swishing tail and a habit of bucking violently after the last fence that was beloved by the public. 40.

Burmese (cavalry horse) The Queen’s favourite cavalry horse; the black mare was given to her by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Queen rode Burmese at Trooping the Colour 18 times consecutively (1969–86) and comforted her when a member of the crowd fired six blank shots in 1981. Cavalry horse Burmese on duty with The Queen. 41. Warrior (film star) Brilliant eventer that won Badminton and Burghley, but found real stardom when he and Jane Holderness-Roddam were stunt doubles for Tatum O’Neal and Arizona Pie in the 1978 film International Velvet. 42. Merely A Monarch (multi-discipline) Versatile equine shortlisted for championships in all three Olympic disciplines, but is held up as the perfect stamp of eventer. With Anneli Drummond-Hay, he won the first Burghley in 1961, Badminton in 1962 and a showjumping Grand Prix just months later. 43.

Sceptre (Flat racehorse) The only horse to win four Classics outright (in 1902)—an incredible achievement for any horse. Even more remarkably, her owner, Robert Sievier, a serial womaniser and bankrupt, ran her in unsuitable races simply to refuel his pockets. 44. Nashwan (Flat racehorse) His name means ‘joy’ in Arabic and that’s what he brought during a stressful period for his wheelchair-bound trainer Maj Dick Hern. A favourite of jockey Willie Carson, he completed a unique sweep of the big races in 1989. 45. Dutch Courage (dressage) Back in British dressage’s non-descript days, Jennie Loriston-Clarke’s stallion salvaged honour with our first medal in the sport, bronze, at the 1978 World Championships at Goodwood. His legacy lives on through successful progeny. Matisse would be proud: the prhistoric Uffington White Horse, which was created from chalk-filled trenches. 46.

Persian War (hurdler) The triple Champion Hurdler (1968–1970) was one of the greats despite a catalogue of misfortunes, which included losing two teeth in one race and knocking himself out on the back of a hurdle in another. 47. Night Nurse (hurdler) The dual Champion Hurdler was a front runner as tough and brave as a lion. In nine seasons, he won 32 of his 64 races over jumps, earning more than £130,000—a lot of money for the 1970s. 48. Uffington White Horse Like a giant, prehistoric Matisse, the 374ft-Bronze Age white horse that leaps across an escarpment on the Berkshire Downs is one of our most uplifting landmarks and has launched a multitude of pub signs. 49. Columbus (eventer) The Queen’s home-bred, rangy, accident-prone grey was deemed too strong for Princess Anne, but Mark Phillips, who won Badminton on him in 1974, describes him as the best he’s ever ridden. 50.

Shergar (Flat racehorse) Spawned one of the great mysteries, up there with Lord Lucan. The colt won the 1981 Derby by a record 10 lengths, but, tragically, was kidnapped in 1983, never to be seen again. BBC Sport - Horse Racing - The Kauto Star story The Kauto Star story Kauto Star is stabled at Ditcheat in Somerset By Frank Keogh Kauto Star is the equine star who has got the racing world talking with his steeplechase heroics. The 12-year-old created history on Boxing Day 2011 at Kempton Park by becoming the first horse to win a fifth King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. He was pulled up on his last outing in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Discover more about the team behind a racing hero.

KAUTO STAR Foaled: 19 March, 2000 Breeding: Village Star-Kauto Relka (France) Career placings 21/11F2353/112/21F/111111/211122/1U11-11F-133-P11P Owner says: Horse's name should be pronounced 'Kaw-to Star' not "Kay-to Star'. Jockey and trainer once preferred the latter. Bred in France where he so impressed with his seemingly out-of-this-world pace and power, he was nicknamed 'L'Extraterrestrial'. Kauto Star stands at 16.3 hands high (1.6m from floor to shoulder) and weighs about 520-530kg (81-83 stone). In 41 races, he has been victorious 23 times, only unplaced on six occasions and was the first horse to win over £2m in prize money over jumps. Kauto Star has run in the UK for more than seven years, during which time he has never finished out of the first three when completing a race.

Bought by Clive Smith in 2004 for about 400,000 euros, but the purchase nearly never happened as the owner's main target at the time had been Garde Champetre until he was outbid by Irish millionaire JP McManus. The French import delivered on all his promise during the 2006-07 season, winning all six of his high-class races at six different tracks, over distances ranging from two miles to more than three-and-a-quarter miles. In 2009 he became the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the blue riband event of steeplechasing, having lost to stablemate Denman the previous year. Just as many felt he was heading towards retirement, he showed all his old zest when winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock for the fourth time in November 2011. He then followed it up by creating history in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, cementing his place as one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time.

TRAINER - PAUL NICHOLLS Born: 17 April 1962 Alveston, Bristol Big wins: Gold Cup 1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman, 2009 Kauto Star; Champion Chase 1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded, 2009 Master Minded He says: "I've never had any doubt Kauto Star was the real deal." The son of a policeman, Nicholls was a jump jockey in the 1980s, riding for nine years, and winning the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury twice. He was assistant trainer to Devon-based David Barons, for whom he had ridden several winners, and was there when the stable sent out Seagram to win the 1991 Grand National at Aintree. Nicholls took out a licence at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, Somerset, later that year and is now the dominant force in jump racing.

He wrested the top trainer title from west country rival Martin Pipe in 2006, and Pipe retired on the day Nicholls was crowned champion. Nicholls has been champion since and is good friends with another sporting winner - Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who part-owns the Nicholls-trained Hennessy runner-up What A Friend. The trainer is seen as eloquent, honest and popular with many punter. He once sent out seven winners and three seconds on a Saturday in 1998. Twice divorced, he is now with partner Georgie Browne, the former wife of racing pundit Luke Harvey. USUAL JOCKEY - RUBY WALSH Born: 14 May, 1979.

Kill, County Kildare Big wins: Grand National, 2000 Papillon, 2005 Hedgehunter; Gold Cup 2007 Kauto Star, 2009 Kauto Star He says: "If you make a mistake, own up to it." Dreamed of winning the Gold Cup ever since, aged six, he saw his dad Ted on TV winning the amateurs' version - the Foxhunters' Chase - in 1986 on Attitude Adjuster. In the same week, great Irish mare Dawn Run won the blue riband. Ruby, who was christened Rupert, won the Grand National with Papillon for his father Ted in 2000 and repeated the trick on the Willie Mullins-trained Hedgehunter five years later. Despite the National's wider appeal, the prematurely grey-haired Ruby believes the Gold Cup is the world's best steeplechase. Famed for his horsemanship and patient riding style - he makes sitting still look an art form. Walsh was a former scrum-half for his local Naas side in Kildare and is a passionate Manchester United fan.

He says if Kauto Star was a footballer, he would be former United star Cristiano Ronaldo. "Kauto would be the guy who can score from anywhere but likes to beat the extra player before he does," says Walsh. For the first time in the King George, Kauto had to cope in 2010 without Walsh, who was ruled out with a broken leg. The horse was beaten under champion jockey Tony McCoy into third by Long Run. OWNER - CLIVE SMITH Age: 69 Background: Went to school in Windsor. Lives in Surrey. Business success: Designing and building pay-and-play golf courses. Racing success: 2005 Grand National runner-up Royal Auclair; 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 King George; 2007 & 2009 Gold Cup Kauto Star; 2008 & 2009 Champion Chase Master Minded He says: "I can't stand snobbery.

I dislike people who were born with a head start in life looking down on others." Smith and his partner Janet Fleetwood slept with the Gold Cup on their bedside table after his first Cheltenham win. He had dreamed of winning the trophy since attending his first Cheltenham Festival in 1974, and seeing Captain Christy triumph. The down-to-earth businessman, who has made his personal fortune after spotting a gap in the market for decent public golf courses, has attended every day of the Festival since 1981. He says Kauto should be pronounced in a similar way to auto. He has a passion for Lagonda cars and has sponsored the Lagonda trophy for young golfers, which has previously been won by Lee Westwood and Luke Donald. A racehorse owner for more than 20 years, with trainers including Jenny Pitman and Martin Pipe, he has suffered the bad moments as well as the highs, and is steeped in racing's history. Smith's purple, green and yellow colours are taken from the heather-clad scenery of Camberley Heath golf course where he was once captain. His breakthrough business golf course was Hawthorn Hill, which he later sold for a reported £8m.

It was on the site of a former racecourse. MOST SIGNIFICANT OTHERS Head lad Clifford Baker rides Kauto Star out every day. He also supervised Gold Cup winners See More Business (for Nicholls) and Charter Party (David Nicholson). Head girl Rose Loxton is Kauto Star's groom and also looks after three-time Cheltenham World Hurdle winner Big Buck's. Bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley found the horse in France and bought him for Smith for 400,000 euros in the summer of 2004. Bookmark with:

Question: Which racehorse won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009, the first to win in non-consecutive years and the King George VI Chase five times?
Answer: Kauto Star