Horse racing: Nicholls horse is clear favourite for Gold Cup (From Gazette Series)

Kauto Star breaks record with King George IV Chase win at Kempton

3:58pm Wednesday 30th December 2009 in Sport

THE odds on Kauto Star retaining the Cheltenham Gold Cup have been slashed after winning the King George IV Chase at Kempton for a record fourth time in a row.

The Paul Nicholls-trained horse won by more than 30 lengths under Ruby Walsh and is now 6-4 to win the Cheltenham showpiece with stablemate Denman at 2-1.

Kauto Star won the Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009 with Denman claiming victory in 2008.

Former Marlwood School pupil Nicholls said: “I knew he was at his best and I can’t believe how much he has improved. I don’t think he has ever run better.”

“He has got pace, he jumps and stays and is just a wonderful, wonderful horse teamed up with a brilliant jockey as well - they suit each other.

“Hopefully he is good for racing, that’s what we want.”

Walsh said: “For any horse to come back for the same race four years on the trot is some ask, but to win it is incredible and it is an absolute privilege to ride him. He’s an amazing horse.

“I’d say that was the best King George I’ve ridden as regards pace, they went a really good gallop and I couldn’t believe the way he jumped the fourth-last.”