Kauto Star takes back Gold Cup

Kauto Star earned himself a place in national hunt history on Friday, by becoming the first horse in history to win back the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kauto Star, who won the Gold Cup in 2007, lost out to a determined Denman in 2008, but was guided to a thrilling victory over his rival by Irish hero Ruby Walsh in the 2009 renewal.

The first half of the race saw Paul Nicholls Neptune Collonges take the lead, trailed closely by his two star stablemates. With five fences left to go the star duo pulled ahead of the pack, while Jonjo O’Neill’s Exotic Dancer attempted to stay in touch.

The race eventually developed into a battle between Ruby Walsh on Kauto Star and Sam Thomas on Denman, with Kauto Star proving to have more in the tank on this occasion as he opened up a good lead to take the race.

Exotic Dancer trailed home a distant third, followed by Neptune Collonges.

After the race Ruby Walsh told Sky Sports that Kauto Star is the finest horse he has ever ridden.

“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.”