Kauto Star Focused on 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup
Born on 19 March 2000, the name Kauto Star has been synonymous with outstanding racing performances and he has proved himself to be one of the greatest racehorses on the track today. Trained by Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star has captured major racing events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007), the Old Roan Chase (2006), Betfair Chase (2006 and 2007), King George VI Chase (2006 and 2007), the Aon Chase (2007), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 and 2006) and the Ascot Chase in 2008. But after suffering defeat by his stable mate, Denman, in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Kauto Star will be setting his sights on taking back his title next year.
Nicholls is confident that Kauto Star will be better in the coming year, as he has been performing wonderfully during his training. Kauto Star will be heading towards the King George VI Chase, which is being run on Boxing Day and will then go on to the Blue Riband, taking place on the 13th of March. The Down Royal, 1 November 2008, is the scheduled race for Kauto Star’s starting race, but every event will be chosen with the Cheltenham Gold Cup in mind.
While Kauto Star begins his run up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup this year; Denman will more than likely only begin after Christmas. After showing signs of being short of breath, not eating and a change in his demeanor, Denman was sent to Newmarket where he was diagnosed with a fibrillating heart and received treatment. Being in treatment and suffering the after effects from the medication for a week after his return, has caused a setback in his training and racing schedule.
But Kauto Star and Denman will face off again in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is part of the Cheltenham Festival. The schedule for the 2009 Cheltenham Festival has changed a little, featuring the major races, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, World Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase, as the fourth racing event on the race card for each day. Thousands of spectators will once again fill the stands and the best racehorses will be present, but the sight of Kauto Star and Denman racing against each other will no doubt be the highlight of the festival.
