A decision is yet to be taken on how popular chaser Kauto Star will spend his retirement, though fans will be able to see him parade twice this year.
Trainer Paul Nicholls announced last week that the record-breaking 12-year-old would be retired from racing, after discussions with his owner Clive Smith.
But Paul told H&H that Kauto’s next move is yet to be decided.
“Kauto Star will be staying at Manor Farm Stables for the time being, ridden out most days by Clifford Baker [Nicholls’ head lad and Kauto’s work rider], but nothing has been confirmed longer term,” he said.
The horse will parade at Haydock on 24 November and at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Kauto Star won 16 Grade Ones — including two Cheltenham Gold Cups. He is the only horse to have regained the Gold Cup after having lost the title.
He was pulled up in his last outing in the race in March, returning to a massive cheer. His future on the track had been uncertain since then. Kauto came back into training but, after recent work, the decision was taken to retire him “in full health”.
“We will all miss him dearly, his presence in the front yard and everything about him,” Nicholls added.
“Out of all his achievements, his victories at Haydock and Kempton last year are my proudest — him coming back after he’d been written off by so many.”
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (8 November 2012)
