Horse racing: Kauto Star and Denman will be back (From Gazette Series)

Trainer Paul Nicholls on Kauto Star and Denman after the Cheltenham Gold Cup

10:49am Thursday 19th March 2009 in Sport

PAUL Nicholls expects Kauto Star and Denman to return and do battle in the Gold Cup again after toasting more success at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival.

The Olveston-born trainer took the prestigious trophy back to his stable in Ditcheat, Somerset, for the third year in a row after Kauto Star regained the coveted prize he won in 2007 from stablemate and 2008 champion Denman.

Kauto Star was the heavy favourite at Cheltenham but Denman caught many by surprise with his strong performance after spending months off the track with an irregular heartbeat and a poor comeback race at Kempton in February.

Last Friday’s showpiece turned out to be a great re-match as Denman pushed Kauto Star, before the Ruby Walsh ridden horse pulled clear in the final few lengths.

Nicholls said: “I enjoyed watching it because I knew Kauto would do what he did.

“He could run in the next three Gold Cups if we keep him right and he stays injury free.

“He is nine now and could go on to ten, 11 or even 12.

“I know now he is better off being super fit and fresh, and when he is like that, he is lethal.”

He added: “I’m incredibly proud of Denman. Two weeks ago we were close to not running him, but he’s done brilliantly and for him to run like that reflects on the horse brilliantly and the team to get him here. He will be a force again next year.”

Nicholls was unable to repeat last year’s remarkable one-two-three but he had four of the top five with Neptune Collonges in fourth and rank outsider My Will finishing fifth.

He was once again the top trainer at the Festival with American Trilogy, Big Buck’s, Chapoturgeon, and Master Minded also winning throughout the four-day event.

There was no joy for Dursley racehorse owner Terry Warner as Penn Da Benn and Pasco finished down the field in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle and Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase respectively.