With the National Hunt season firmly underway this November, today's result from Haydock Park was truly heart-warming. Kauto Star ridden by Ruby Walsh returned to form with a brilliant display of jumping prowess, bravery and determination to win the Grade 1 Betfair Chase by 8 lengths over his nearest rival and last years Gold Cup winner, Long Run.
The many fans and supporters attending Haydock Park wearing the same silk colours of Kauto Star are a clear sign that he's loved by the racing public, perhaps in a once-in-a-lifetime way not seen since Desert Orchid in the late 80's or Arkle of the 60's. There were emotional scenes as the winner returned to the ring to a hero's reception of loud cheers. Uniquely, Kauto Star, now aged 11, has been versatile as a chaser to be champion at different race-distances and the only horse to have ever regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup for owner Clive Smith. In a racing career now spanning over 5 years, he's also won the blue ribbon of the Xmas season, Kempton Park's King George VI chase four consecutive times.
In an interview after the race his trainer Paul Nichols with typical attentiveness to the well-being of his veteran star mentioned about Kauto making a breathing noise last year in training, the year in which an unexplainable decline in his winning power occurred. Nicholls also stated-
"Him and Ruby are a match made in heaven. He's great for racing, and I hope those who said he should have been retired will apologise. To beat a Gold Cup winner at his age is amazing. I'll never forget today. If things had gone wrong my neck was on the line, but I had a feeling he'd run a massive race."
The proverbial phrase 'jumped like a stag' conveys little meaning until seeing the equestrian athleticism of National hunt racing horses, where stamina and courage along with an ability to jump stiff fences is demanded. The above photo goes some way towards conveying these equestrian skills and the big difference between Flat and National hunt racing.
Wiki-links Kauto Star - Paul Nicholls - Ruby Walsh
Postscript December 26th 2011
Kauto Star wins the 3 mile King George VI chase at Kempton Park for an unprecedented 5th time !
Postscript December 26th 2011
Kauto Star wins the 3 mile King George VI chase at Kempton Park for an unprecedented 5th time !
I love this! There is no more beautiful creature, in my opinion, than a horse. I wish I could see one of these races! When I was a little girl I would plant myself in front of the TV on any Saturday they showed the thoroughbred racing. I rooted and cried with joy when Secretariat won the Triple Crown. My step-father used to take me to Hollywood Park to see the trotters and pacers and place my little bets. I read every book I could get my hands on about horses and racing. But I've never seen a hunt/steeplechase.
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I've followed any equestrian sports, but my heart still wells with emotion whenever I even see a horse at work.
Wow you really love horses Laurie ! As usual the things one takes for granted in one's culture are much sought-after and valued more by others.
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