By Kevin Murphy
The racing world is in mourning after the sad news that Kauto Star has been put down as the result of a fall.
The greatest steeplechaser since Arkle won 23 of his 41 races, including winning the King George on five occasions while he also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice.
Kauto Star pictured with trainer Paul Nicholls in 2011.
Owner Clive Smith reported that the horse ‘did not suffer’ after being put down in the presence of his adoring owner and veterinary assistant Hattie Lawrence at 3pm yesterday afternoon.
Described in the past by Ruby Walsh as the ‘horse of a lifetime’, Kauto Star displayed phenomenal courage to bounce back for eight consecutive seasons.
Ruby Walsh on Kauto Star.
The Paul Nicholls trained chaser became the first horse ever to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2009 from his stable mate Denman. Kauto Star returned to a heroic reception in the winner’s enclosure.
Kauto Star recorded four victories in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park. His performances on this course will live long in the memory and his epic victory over Imperial Commander in 2009 is part of racing folklore.
Brilliantly handed by Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star completed his fifth victory in the King George at Kempton Park in 2011. It was another incredible performance from ‘Kauto’ who captured the hearts of racing fans every Christmas.
On Twitter today, Nicholls paid tribute to his greatest ever horse: “RIP, my friend you were a true legend, once in a lifetime”.
Will never be bettered pic.twitter.com/t1YcMEQpkf
— Paul Nicholls (@PFNicholls) June 30, 2015
Channel 4 recently celebrated his career in this highlights package.