Kauto Star: Rest In Peace:
Life is unfair at times, and today that fact was again demonstrated to it's clearest effect, with the sad news being released that Kauto Star, one of the greatest steeplechasers to ever walk this earth and a great favourite of my own plus many others, had passed away.
When I was notified of the news this morning, my heart just sank, I felt helpless and just overall sick, I couldn't think straight, that was the effect that this amazing thoroughbred had on me, he was just simply an inspiration, a hero.
Along with Denman in a golden era of steeplechasers, Kauto Star just caught my eye the first time I ever watched him, whether it was his class, determination to win, his looks or just the reputation he had with so many others I just don't know.
Watching him year in, year out on the racecourse was just phenomenal, he kept coming back with the same amount of ability every single season if not even better, he just had it all. He was flamboyant, awe inspiring, and was capable of bringing any man or woman to tears crossing the winning line, that's if he hadn't already given you a heart attack approaching the final fence of yet another Grade 1 win. His racing record was simply outstanding, winning 23 of 41 racecourse outings, 16 Grade 1's, including four Betfair Chase's, two Cheltenham Gold Cups, five King George's and over £2.3m in prize money.
I was never lucky enough to see the great horse race in the flesh, but it was clear to see that everyone who got to see him whether at the races, at an open day or on TV, he was just adored by every single racing fan. I was never around to be able to make comparisons to Arkle and Desert Orchid, but after seeing so much coverage of those superstars of old, I can say without any shadow of a doubt, that this horse can be mentioned in the same breath as them two legends.
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to every one, past and present, who had the pleasure to be involved with this amazing thoroughbred, including his team in France which built him up, Paul Nicholls, Ruby Walsh, Clifford Baker, Clive Smith and Laura Collett, who had been taking great care of him since he was retired from the racetrack. Although Kauto has now been taken to the racecourse in the sky, I can guarantee he will never, ever, be forgotten. Gallop free Kauto, you humble legend.
