Simply the best racehorse I have ever seen. I have never been racing with as brilliant an atmosphere as when Kauto jumped the last and I've been to two Grand Nationals, the Arc, the Derby and Sea The Stars' Eclipse win. He maybe wont be remembered as the best of all time like Arkle, but certainly the best of the modern era and 'one' of the best ever. An event and horse that will be talked about for years to come and I am just happy to have been there.
R I P old fellow one of the best race horses in my era along with his old pal denman . The two giants of national hunt racing , The difference between these two horses and the rest even in defeat they come back and showed what they were made of time and time again . A real tribute to the trainer he will be hard pushed to train two more like those .
How can anyone make any negative comments about this amazing horse!? Definitely the best of this generation. Yes there are other great horses around, but the plaques on his stable door tell you all you need to know... TEAM KAUTO!!
6:39 - Kauto and Nacarat .. 41 lengths between them on both occasions.. both passed away in retirement this year, 17 weeks apart.. God Bless them both..
I had never been so excited since Desert Orchid's fourth back in 1990. He was one of the greatest steeplechasers I ever saw, and ridden by the genius that is Ruby Walsh. RIP Kauto Star...
Never forget this horse. The King George hasn't been as exciting since. Clan Des Obeaux just won if for the 2nd time but I can't see Kauto's record ever being matched
Love the hug Ruby gives Kauto at the end. Not many jockeys have such a close relationship with a horse, the other being Tom and Frankel of course. But this race, this horse KAUTO STAR is what got me really into racing 2 years ago.
I repeat what I said earlier - watch right to the end and note the other jockeys giving Kauto Star a pat - they are the ultimate judges in how good a horse is and they are very quick to give him a celebratory slap. True greatness recognised by those best placed to do so. The ultimate compliment. (Still think Long Run will reverse it in March, just hope Kauto comes home safe and sound).
KAUTO STAR was one of the biggest names in racing. I remember those years, he vs DENMAN too couple of times. However LONG RUN , would've beat him if he could jump. Long Run always made mistakes, but kept on going and closed on the flat in races. They say jumping is the name of the game, and Kauto Star jumped really well.
I so wish Racing UK hadn't turned the volume of the crowd down. C4 had the volume of the crowd spot on, the noise when Kauto jumped the last had the hairs on the back of your neck raised. Sadly, you can't get a re-run of C4's coverage. Sorry Racing UK you got this way wrong and you've failed to add to the excitement this performance from Kauto deserved, by turning the crowd down. Kauto Star, my hero, the greatest steeplechaser of all time, God bless you mate.
It was lovly to see the other jocks give the great horse a pat reminded me of dessie and the jock he beat that glorious day at cheltenham lovly to see that in a sport where money is envolved that gracious respect is still apparent
Aww man Kauto is some horse, what a beauty. Denman was my favourite but Kauto Star's achievements are unbelievable. However, I would like to see him retired now whilst sound and in one piece. He owes nobody anything, IMO
Shame to hear of the departure of the great champ from Paul Nicholls stable. They have been exceptional in fulfilling the expectations they had in this horse and exceeding those aims. A brilliant training establishment and team.
Was this the only occasion that Master Minded & KS were in the same race? MM never raced again after that bad mistake resulted in an injury. He was only 8 at the time.
So sad that Kauto Star has gone. A legend. Don't be too hard on owner. He thought he was doing the right thing, but he behaved wrongly to trainer. Horse died in a field accident in the end, it happens with horses.
poor old somersby. really admirable stayer who gives his absolute all but has never and will never be there when it counts. i always put a fiver on when i see him though :)
@vixitrixalina Good, at least they're making one for him. It's a start. Thing is, in my lifetime he's the first horse to draw me into racing. He's inspired me to want to become a jockey and I'm pretty damn sure I'm not the only one. He and Denman have done so much for the sport. I wanna see Kauto's statue every day at Cheltenham when I walk past!!!
A true great along with stable mate Denman, but of the other runners here only Long Run was a true 3 miler, the other class horses in the race Masterminded and Sommersby were blown up 2 milers having a go at Kempton's supposedly easy flat 3 miles. I think maybe Denman could have emulated Kauto's career if it hadn't been for heart problems after his defeat of Kauto in the Gold Cup. But at least he has a decent retirement, unlike Kauto, taken out of retirement by his greedy owner, against Paul Nichols' wishes.RIP Kauto, thanks for the memories.
contee12345 Apparently Denman was never entered for the King George because he didn't like going right-handed, but I reckon if he'd duked it out with Kauto he could have won. After all Desert Orchid didn't like going left-handed but he still managed to win the Gold Cup. Also in the Gold Cup they ran against each other 4 times and on 3 occasions the Tank came out on top. The only time he lost was after his heart problem came to the surface and he still came 2nd.
+David Kent Ah, the oul heart excuse again. Such ignorance. Here are some facts about Denman, his heart ailment (not really a big deal, which the horse himself proved) and Kauto Star. Denman was an out and out stayer who needed over 3 miles, who needed to go left handed, who need a stiff track and who needed soft in the going description. He was a phenomenal stayer but nowhere near as versatile as Kauto Star, who won over 2 mile, 2 1/2 half mile, 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile. Kauto won on good ground and heavy, right handed and left, on flat tracks and on stiff tracks. Denman didn't and couldn't do that. He simply lacked the ability. It is also a myth that his heart problem stopped him doing anything - he only missed one race (the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup) and his best ever performance came in the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup, AFTER he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, which is common in racehorses. People act as if it was a rare and life threatening disease because it makes a nice story. It's nonsense. He was given some time off, some drugs to regulate his heartbeat and he was absolutely fine again. After, because of his size, it just took a bit of time to get him fit and he raced in conditions that didn't suit him. But anyone who says he was never the same horse is embarrassed and exposed as an excuse-seeker or fairy-tale-teller by his 09 Hennessy running. How could he run his best ever race and one of the greatest races by any national hunt horse ever if his heart ailment stopped him performing to his best? It's bullshit. He came back after treatment and was stuffed by Madison Du Berlais because they went right handed with him. The race was at Kempton. They knew he couldn't go right handed but needed to get a run in to him to get him fit for the Gold Cup. His owners Paul Barber and Harry Fry, his trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh all said Kauto Star would have hammered him if he raced against Kauto Star right handed, or at less than 3 miles, or on a sharp track, which is why they smartly never did. Horses are animals, not machines, and they take a disliking to things all the time. Some hate fast ground or heavy ground, some (usually flat-breds) hate undulating tracks and others hate going right handed or left handed. Denman hated left handed and as he got older needed the ground softer. Kauto Star was a one off because no matter what the conditions, he still performed at or close to his best, marking him out as an all time great. You mention Dessie winning a Gold Cup but hating going left handed - you never mentioned that he raced for 8 years and got beat at Cheltenham every single time apart from once, despite being one of the greatest of all time. There was a reason for that, and it isn't because the likes of Norton's Coin were better racehorses. In the 09 Gold Cup, Denman ran as good a race as he was capable of on genuinely good ground. He was simply outpaced by a faster and classier animal from the turn for home. He then fell on good ground and a flat track at Aintree when conditions were against him again. People just expected him to be as good as Kauto Star at every track but that wasn't Denman, it isn't any horse. His runs in winning the 09 Hennessy and as runner up to Imperial Commander in a brilliant Gold Cup showed he was still an elite racehorse. He was then beat at Punchestown (right handed, good ground), ran another great Hennessy to finish third under top weight at Newbury (left handed, stiff), finished 2nd again under his best conditions in a Gold Cup at Cheltenham (left handed, stiff), then got hammered again at Aintree (sharp track, good ground). Kauto Star only took on Denman when conditions were on Denman's side. An extended 3 1/4 mile at a stiff track at Cheltenham and with soft in the ground. Denman never took Kauto on in a Tingle Creek over 2 mile, or over 2 1/2 mile in an Ascot Chase, or even over a dead 3 mile at a sharp course like Haydock in the Betfair Chase. We know why. The bottom line is Kauto Star won more Grade 1s, won more prize money, and even won more Gold Cups despite being at his best at places like Kempton and not really liking Cheltenham. Kauto also became the first horse in history to regain the Gold Cup. He also won 5 King George's, 4 in a row, when Denman wouldn't have won 1. Kauto Star achieved a higher Timeform rating and BHA rating too, and although it took longer than it should, more people now remember, love and respect Kauto Star as one of the all time greats and as a superior racehorse to Denman, except over 3 1/4 mile at Cheltenham. (And even then Denman only has one Gold Cup while Kauto Star has 2 - that's worth repeating) You take all this and add in the fact Kauto Star was the tougher, hardier horse, who was campaigned more aggressively and whose constitution allowed him to run for 9 years while Denman could only last for 6, and you know why Kauto Star goes down as one of the top 3 or 4 horses of all time, the elite of the elite, while Denman falls into a lesser category, along with Burrough Hill Lad and Captain Christy. A great horse Denman was, one capable of all time great performances, but not an all time great horse, like Kauto Star.
+contee12345 No.The famous commentary was a silly in the moment drama by Hoiles because of the hype in the build up for the race, a race which really wasn't one because Kauto was so below his best. Go back and watch the 08 Gold Cup. Kauto Star was already making mistakes at fences on the first circuit, when Neptune Collonges was leading the field at an average pace. Kauto Star simply wasn't himself that day, as you can tell by only just beating Neptune Collonges by a short head (Kauto was clearly many many lengths better than Neptune Collonges, who himself was a brilliant animal) and it had nothing to do with Denman. There are a number of reasons for his below par effort. Kauto had a harder preparation, beating the best horses over 2 1/2 mile in the Ascot Chase, whereas Denman had a canter around Newbury in the Aon Chase (now named the Denman Chase) against horrific horses, as none of the good ones wanted to take him on (not his fault). Kauto also had an injury just after his prep run in which he had puss in his foot. He was kept in his box for less than a week but the missed training wouldn't have helped just a few weeks before the big day. This is something few talk about. Another thing that went against Kauto and a reason for his poorer performance was the ground. The 2008 Festival was marred by a horrendous fuck up by the clerk of the course Simon Claisse. He assumed it was not going to rain in the weeks before the Festival so he watered the course heavily to avoid firm ground. It did rain. A lot. For an entire week. The ground turned horrendously sticky. Then a major storm hit after Day 1, all wind/no rain, causing for the second day (Wednesday) to be cancelled. This meant there was 10 races on the Thursday and and 9 on Gold Cup day (the Friday), so the ground was drying out more due to winds but because it was used so much in such a short space of time in the 28 hours before the Gold Cup, the ground wasn't heavy but was far from the good to soft they said it was. It was sticky, holding, clawing ground very few horses handled and put an emphasis on stamina. Given Kauto's speed, it added to his task. Yet despite all this, what happened to his price? Another thing people don't talk about. Nicholls refused to pick a winner but said publicly Kauto would be hard to beat. Nicholls' father said it wouldn't be close, that Kauto would win by 10 lengths. Everyone in the yard, from Clifford Baker down, thought Kauto would win. They weren't allowed to say so, but the money put on Kauto before the off spoke volumes. Apart from the few hours he was injured, when Kauto traded at 300/1 on Betfair, Kauto Star was always favourite and went odds on for the first time all year in the minutes prior to the race due to sustained support. He opened 5/4 and went off 10/11F. Ruby Walsh was smiling as he got the leg up and having sat on both, only chose Kauto because he knew he was the better horse. This sustained support for Kauto must be seen in the context of the fact Denman was the more popular horse for years with the betting public. An old fashioned chaser, big brute of a horse, front running bully, undefeated over fences, he was loved more than Kauto was for years, until maybe Denman retired. He deserved the admiration. So did Kauto, but he eventually got it much later, in the years when past his best athletically but still with the heart of a Champion. What's idiotic in the analysis of the 08 Gold Cup is people claiming Denman's pace forced Kauto into mistakes (ignoring his mistakes when Neptune led the field) when Kauto slapped the Champion Chaser Voy Por Ustedes on the bridle in the Tingle Creek the season before. If on form and a Champion Chaser couldn't put him under pressure over the 2 mile distance, I doubt Denman could over 3 1/4 mile. Denman received a rating of 180 for beating Kauto Star by 7 lengths on soft ground, meaning Timeform had Kauto Star below his best by 8lbs. It was probably more. When Kauto Star went on to beat Denman by 13 lengths on good ground the following year, Timeform had Denman run to a 179, 1 lb below his best. This shows Denman was still the same racehorse, and not some washed up bum with a bad heart, which is what some would have you believe. Their nonsense is confirmed as that by the 09 Hennessy. Denman then won his second Hennessy off top weight, but this time off 176, whereas his first Hennessy was also off top weight but it was off a rating of 159. He beat a Grade 1 winner What A Friend by 3 1/2 lengths giving him 22lbs. That's an outrageous achievement. Timeform rated it a 183 performance, 3lbs better than his performance of beating Kauto Star. It should have been higher. So in sum, no, Denman's best performance was giving stones away to good horses, not beating a below par Kauto Star at Cheltenham.
the 1 horse to take out of this race is captain chris. Interupted prep, hit at least half the fences and was still in with a shout turning in. Better horse in the spring and a good price for ryanair.
fingers crossed that the old boy is good for the Gold Cup..... i reckon he'll turn up, and surprise everyone. or i hope he does. *crosses fingers hard*
One word about the fourth horse, SOMERSBY DOES STAY THREE MILES!! His saddle slips turning out of the back straight, have a look. What a horse Kauto is though, was at Kempton that day and it was just amazing, Simon Holt's commentary was much better though (as always)
@AceLuvsZaynAndKautoX There is a statue being made for him at Haydock, I do believe :) He also should have one here at Kempton, so he can stand along side Desert Orchid. And he should get one at Cherltenham, whether he wins or not, just because he's tried so damn hard there that he deserves one. Like you said, a statue of kauto and Denman together at Cheltenham, because over the last 6 years they've given so much to the race and brought more people into racing. Also, I think I love him more :P
Brilliant horse. You only have to look at the reaction of Ruby and the other jockeys to see the regard he's held in. Time to let him retire gracefully as a life threatening injury for him would be tragic
i urge anyone to try and read Al Down's comments on gthis in the R/P or (as i did) in the kauto star book relased just before xmas 2012, it sums up brilliantly all emotion from this race - AWESOME DISPLAY
@PhantomOftheOpera25 I agree. We don't criticise Sea the Stars for not giving the field a stone or so in an Ebor or Istabraq for not giving two stone to the field in the Tote Gold Trophy, so why chasers. What Arkle, Mill House, Flyingbolt, Dessie and Denman did in handicaps was phenomenal, but even in Arkle's day nay-sayers pointed to Golden Miller winning a National and a Gold Cup and doing the former in a course record under 12st 2.
Inevitable that the first renewal of the Denman Chase should be run in by Long Run isn't it ;) hopefully he'll fail over 3 miles again and reassure me completely come Cheltenham.
I was such a kauto star fan that every christmas after getting every ones presents I would put my whole wage as my present 5 out of 6 years he ran on king george only decided to give him a miss the day the put tony McCoy on him no disrespect to McCoy but after what happend to me with denman and McCoy on him at aintree and all my winnings from aintree £600 all on denman taught me a lesson and it was a good one as was not the right jockey for kauto only rugby Walsh and that's it
Long Run's mistakes: fence 4 - got a bit close fence 7 - not totally fluent/bit low fence 10 - bit low, tongue is hanging out (ought to be tied to help his breathing) fence 13 - got close, dragged legs through fence 14 - under pressure, brushed through fence 15 - not fluent fence 17 - got too close final fence - too close Kauto was foot perfect throughout :D but got tired...whereas Long Run rallied close to home. in the Gold Cup, Kauto's best chance is to out jump the others/Long Run.
@iSh0tzv2 He'd have to. I'll be *very* annoyed if there isn't a statue of him someplace when he does retire. My vote is they do Kauto & Denman together at Cheltenham so I could see it every day haha :) I'll cry anyway, either because I love him and he's won (I hope) or because I love him and he's got beat... let's just say cuz I love him :D
It was definitely his jumping and high cruising speed that saved him. The others were under pressure miles out, he's in another league! He was good to jump so well at the last because his petrol tank was starting to run on empty, every time I watch this I'm thinking "where is that godamned winning post!" The extra 1/4mile in the Gold Cup wont do him any favours but if he jumps so well and puts the others under pressure again.. The old King might just do it :) Then he should retire immediately!
@liamobrien06 Kauto is a flat track champ. If Long Run does him at Cheltenham it will be that Long Run is the better horse at the tougher track. Long Run is very special. When he wins he clocks remarkable times.
@Mr75littlebay Yes, but remember Kauto wasn't 100% that day. Ruby said he felt flat after 2 fences and he'd had that injury scare at Ascot. He may not have beaten Denman anyway that day, but in fact rather than blowing Kauto's head clean off as H Findlay said, Denman had to put a gun to his own head that day. They're both legends. As for last March, Denman was not the horse he was and Kauto obviously wasn't right all last year. Even not 100% they were good enough to place.
@CaptainCrabeye i donk think bog warrior wil run though unless the ground is soft ! hope kauto is ready to go to cheltenham i just know if he is right he will finish in front of long run !
he doesn't have the acceleration he had 5 years ago, but his jumping seems to get better with every race - he can out jump the others and easily puts pressure on them - as proven over the last few fences whereall the others were crashing through and dragging legs. Had Long Run been better at the last and Kauto crashed through like he used to, LR would have won. Kauto is pure fantastic, his jumping saved him and he thoroughly deserved this after his career. doubters, go hang yourselves ;)
Simply the best racehorse I have ever seen. I have never been racing with as brilliant an atmosphere as when Kauto jumped the last and I've been to two Grand Nationals, the Arc, the Derby and Sea The Stars' Eclipse win. He maybe wont be remembered as the best of all time like Arkle, but certainly the best of the modern era and 'one' of the best ever. An event and horse that will be talked about for years to come and I am just happy to have been there.
Horses and races such as this, are the reason why I fell in love with this wonderful sport.
I was lucky enough to see Kauto Star win at Cheltenham. He ran them into the ground that day. One of the all time greats.
What a legend,feel very privileged that I saw him win at both Cheltenham and kempton. Rest easy champ!!
R I P old fellow one of the best race horses in my era along with his old pal denman .
The two giants of national hunt racing , The difference between these two horses and the rest even in defeat they come back and showed what they were made of time and time again . A real tribute to the trainer he will be hard pushed to train two more like those .
How can anyone make any negative comments about this amazing horse!? Definitely the best of this generation. Yes there are other great horses around, but the plaques on his stable door tell you all you need to know... TEAM KAUTO!!
this is the only time i have seen other jockies congratulate the winning horse as well as the jockey. What a class act.
6:39 - Kauto and Nacarat .. 41 lengths between them on both occasions.. both passed away in retirement this year, 17 weeks apart.. God Bless them both..
'A steeple chaser of a lifetime' RIP kauto star an absolute legend
Lee Mason Yes, I have just read that this steeplechasing legend has been put down. A sad loss.
I had never been so excited since Desert Orchid's fourth back in 1990. He was one of the greatest steeplechasers I ever saw, and ridden by the genius that is Ruby Walsh. RIP Kauto Star...
Never forget this horse. The King George hasn't been as exciting since. Clan Des Obeaux just won if for the 2nd time but I can't see Kauto's record ever being matched
Desperately sad to hear of his passing. A truly great horse and it was a privilege to see him win two King Georges.
This is what makes horse racing great. What a day. What a race. What a horse.
A golden age of NH racing, got to see Kauto a couple of times. Thanks for the memories.
Love the hug Ruby gives Kauto at the end. Not many jockeys have such a close relationship with a horse, the other being Tom and Frankel of course. But this race, this horse KAUTO STAR is what got me really into racing 2 years ago.
The old boy never knows when to give up,,GO ON KAUTO
Look at how the other jockeys pat the winner - they know they're in the presence of something special, true respect shown
Lol watching in March 2016 and somersby is still plugging away, jumps is the best
I was privileged to be there. Great Horse. Great Jockey. Great Bet. Happy Christmas 2020 Kauto & Ruby
Fantastic race, fantastic horse, fantastic for racing. And I agree his jumping now is just superb, hope he has one last big race in tank in March.
Heartbreaking news, RIP Kauto Star 6-29-15
That leap at 11 still shocks me.. What a day this was
Lol
Can't ever remember other Jockeys congratulating a horse. Class act. RIP Kauto Star.
I repeat what I said earlier - watch right to the end and note the other jockeys giving Kauto Star a pat - they are the ultimate judges in how good a horse is and they are very quick to give him a celebratory slap.
True greatness recognised by those best placed to do so.
The ultimate compliment.
(Still think Long Run will reverse it in March, just hope Kauto comes home safe and sound).
This is my favourite ever race. I had the faith in kauto star. Such a brilliant performance
I love kauto star can't believe he's gone. RIP easy I won't ever forget the great memories you gave me.
Kauto Star is a legend. Love to see one of my old favourites Captain Chris too.
KAUTO STAR was one of the biggest names in racing. I remember those years, he vs DENMAN too couple of times. However LONG RUN , would've beat him if he could jump. Long Run always made mistakes, but kept on going and closed on the flat in races. They say jumping is the name of the game, and Kauto Star jumped really well.
Farewell Great Horse. Many, Many great memories.
Can remember this like it was yesterday only me and my best mate in the pub said it could win
Goosebumps
A horse to be admired. What a guy!
I remember watching this at work after taking bets on this brilliant horse. Sad to see him retire but deserves a well earned rest. Kauto Star. Legend.
How impressive was Cue Card at Exeter today. Colin Tizzard mentioned the King George as the target. Might have a bit of a saver there.
Kauto Star a true champ i wrote him of once but never again
What a horse.. wont ever be forgotten.
The horse of a lifetime.
I so wish Racing UK hadn't turned the volume of the crowd down. C4 had the volume of the crowd spot on, the noise when Kauto jumped the last had the hairs on the back of your neck raised. Sadly, you can't get a re-run of C4's coverage. Sorry Racing UK you got this way wrong and you've failed to add to the excitement this performance from Kauto deserved, by turning the crowd down. Kauto Star, my hero, the greatest steeplechaser of all time, God bless you mate.
ruclips.net/video/IZ6cCOLy5eE/видео.html enjoy
WhaleWithNineHands Legend you.
Happy retirement, Kauto Star. What a great horse he was. Announced today by his owner, Clive Smith.
RIP Nacar a legend
Best jump horse ive ever an will see i got 16 to 1 antipost for that race an 10s when won the betfair that year shame on the owner when retired
It was lovly to see the other jocks give the great horse a pat reminded me of dessie and the jock he beat that glorious day at cheltenham lovly to see that in a sport where money is envolved that gracious respect is still apparent
What a superstar
What a champion!
i've run out of superlatives for Kauto.
Aww man Kauto is some horse, what a beauty. Denman was my favourite but Kauto Star's achievements are unbelievable. However, I would like to see him retired now whilst sound and in one piece. He owes nobody anything, IMO
Shame to hear of the departure of the great champ from Paul Nicholls stable. They have been exceptional in fulfilling the expectations they had in this horse and exceeding those aims. A brilliant training establishment and team.
happy retirement kauto there never be another ;llike u
Was this the only occasion that Master Minded & KS were in the same race? MM never raced again after that bad mistake resulted in an injury. He was only 8 at the time.
Great champion worthy of a grade one chase being named in his honour.
So sad that Kauto Star has gone. A legend. Don't be too hard on owner. He thought he was doing the right thing, but he behaved wrongly to trainer. Horse died in a field accident in the end, it happens with horses.
poor old somersby. really admirable stayer who gives his absolute all but has never and will never be there when it counts. i always put a fiver on when i see him though :)
Don't compare it. Just enjoy it.
ladyclaire ..i backed yahoo that day ..had 20ew at 33s ...which was a lot of money then ...it was heavy ground and stillhaunts me to this day x
Hahaha this made me chuckle :)
@Cantodellobo brilliant effort by a great horse,,
RIP legend
@vixitrixalina Good, at least they're making one for him. It's a start. Thing is, in my lifetime he's the first horse to draw me into racing. He's inspired me to want to become a jockey and I'm pretty damn sure I'm not the only one. He and Denman have done so much for the sport. I wanna see Kauto's statue every day at Cheltenham when I walk past!!!
A true great along with stable mate Denman, but of the other runners here only Long Run was a true 3 miler, the other class horses in the race Masterminded and Sommersby were blown up 2 milers having a go at Kempton's supposedly easy flat 3 miles. I think maybe Denman could have emulated Kauto's career if it hadn't been for heart problems after his defeat of Kauto in the Gold Cup. But at least he has a decent retirement, unlike Kauto, taken out of retirement by his greedy owner, against Paul Nichols' wishes.RIP Kauto, thanks for the memories.
The before the heart trouble denman was the boy! That 2008 gold cup was incredible
contee12345 Apparently Denman was never entered for the King George because he didn't like going right-handed, but I reckon if he'd duked it out with Kauto he could have won. After all Desert Orchid didn't like going left-handed but he still managed to win the Gold Cup. Also in the Gold Cup they ran against each other 4 times and on 3 occasions the Tank came out on top. The only time he lost was after his heart problem came to the surface and he still came 2nd.
+David Kent Ah, the oul heart excuse again. Such ignorance. Here are some facts about Denman, his heart ailment (not really a big deal, which the horse himself proved) and Kauto Star.
Denman was an out and out stayer who needed over 3 miles, who needed to go left handed, who need a stiff track and who needed soft in the going description. He was a phenomenal stayer but nowhere near as versatile as Kauto Star, who won over 2 mile, 2 1/2 half mile, 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile. Kauto won on good ground and heavy, right handed and left, on flat tracks and on stiff tracks. Denman didn't and couldn't do that. He simply lacked the ability.
It is also a myth that his heart problem stopped him doing anything - he only missed one race (the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup) and his best ever performance came in the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup, AFTER he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, which is common in racehorses. People act as if it was a rare and life threatening disease because it makes a nice story. It's nonsense. He was given some time off, some drugs to regulate his heartbeat and he was absolutely fine again. After, because of his size, it just took a bit of time to get him fit and he raced in conditions that didn't suit him. But anyone who says he was never the same horse is embarrassed and exposed as an excuse-seeker or fairy-tale-teller by his 09 Hennessy running. How could he run his best ever race and one of the greatest races by any national hunt horse ever if his heart ailment stopped him performing to his best? It's bullshit.
He came back after treatment and was stuffed by Madison Du Berlais because they went right handed with him. The race was at Kempton. They knew he couldn't go right handed but needed to get a run in to him to get him fit for the Gold Cup. His owners Paul Barber and Harry Fry, his trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh all said Kauto Star would have hammered him if he raced against Kauto Star right handed, or at less than 3 miles, or on a sharp track, which is why they smartly never did. Horses are animals, not machines, and they take a disliking to things all the time. Some hate fast ground or heavy ground, some (usually flat-breds) hate undulating tracks and others hate going right handed or left handed. Denman hated left handed and as he got older needed the ground softer. Kauto Star was a one off because no matter what the conditions, he still performed at or close to his best, marking him out as an all time great.
You mention Dessie winning a Gold Cup but hating going left handed - you never mentioned that he raced for 8 years and got beat at Cheltenham every single time apart from once, despite being one of the greatest of all time. There was a reason for that, and it isn't because the likes of Norton's Coin were better racehorses.
In the 09 Gold Cup, Denman ran as good a race as he was capable of on genuinely good ground. He was simply outpaced by a faster and classier animal from the turn for home. He then fell on good ground and a flat track at Aintree when conditions were against him again. People just expected him to be as good as Kauto Star at every track but that wasn't Denman, it isn't any horse. His runs in winning the 09 Hennessy and as runner up to Imperial Commander in a brilliant Gold Cup showed he was still an elite racehorse. He was then beat at Punchestown (right handed, good ground), ran another great Hennessy to finish third under top weight at Newbury (left handed, stiff), finished 2nd again under his best conditions in a Gold Cup at Cheltenham (left handed, stiff), then got hammered again at Aintree (sharp track, good ground).
Kauto Star only took on Denman when conditions were on Denman's side. An extended 3 1/4 mile at a stiff track at Cheltenham and with soft in the ground. Denman never took Kauto on in a Tingle Creek over 2 mile, or over 2 1/2 mile in an Ascot Chase, or even over a dead 3 mile at a sharp course like Haydock in the Betfair Chase. We know why.
The bottom line is Kauto Star won more Grade 1s, won more prize money, and even won more Gold Cups despite being at his best at places like Kempton and not really liking Cheltenham. Kauto also became the first horse in history to regain the Gold Cup. He also won 5 King George's, 4 in a row, when Denman wouldn't have won 1. Kauto Star achieved a higher Timeform rating and BHA rating too, and although it took longer than it should, more people now remember, love and respect Kauto Star as one of the all time greats and as a superior racehorse to Denman, except over 3 1/4 mile at Cheltenham. (And even then Denman only has one Gold Cup while Kauto Star has 2 - that's worth repeating)
You take all this and add in the fact Kauto Star was the tougher, hardier horse, who was campaigned more aggressively and whose constitution allowed him to run for 9 years while Denman could only last for 6, and you know why Kauto Star goes down as one of the top 3 or 4 horses of all time, the elite of the elite, while Denman falls into a lesser category, along with Burrough Hill Lad and Captain Christy. A great horse Denman was, one capable of all time great performances, but not an all time great horse, like Kauto Star.
+C McG would you not say his best performance was the gold cup where he pounded Kauto into submission as the famous commentary went ?
+contee12345 No.The famous commentary was a silly in the moment drama by Hoiles because of the hype in the build up for the race, a race which really wasn't one because Kauto was so below his best.
Go back and watch the 08 Gold Cup. Kauto Star was already making mistakes at fences on the first circuit, when Neptune Collonges was leading the field at an average pace. Kauto Star simply wasn't himself that day, as you can tell by only just beating Neptune Collonges by a short head (Kauto was clearly many many lengths better than Neptune Collonges, who himself was a brilliant animal) and it had nothing to do with Denman. There are a number of reasons for his below par effort.
Kauto had a harder preparation, beating the best horses over 2 1/2 mile in the Ascot Chase, whereas Denman had a canter around Newbury in the Aon Chase (now named the Denman Chase) against horrific horses, as none of the good ones wanted to take him on (not his fault).
Kauto also had an injury just after his prep run in which he had puss in his foot. He was kept in his box for less than a week but the missed training wouldn't have helped just a few weeks before the big day. This is something few talk about.
Another thing that went against Kauto and a reason for his poorer performance was the ground. The 2008 Festival was marred by a horrendous fuck up by the clerk of the course Simon Claisse. He assumed it was not going to rain in the weeks before the Festival so he watered the course heavily to avoid firm ground. It did rain. A lot. For an entire week. The ground turned horrendously sticky. Then a major storm hit after Day 1, all wind/no rain, causing for the second day (Wednesday) to be cancelled. This meant there was 10 races on the Thursday and and 9 on Gold Cup day (the Friday), so the ground was drying out more due to winds but because it was used so much in such a short space of time in the 28 hours before the Gold Cup, the ground wasn't heavy but was far from the good to soft they said it was. It was sticky, holding, clawing ground very few horses handled and put an emphasis on stamina. Given Kauto's speed, it added to his task.
Yet despite all this, what happened to his price? Another thing people don't talk about. Nicholls refused to pick a winner but said publicly Kauto would be hard to beat. Nicholls' father said it wouldn't be close, that Kauto would win by 10 lengths. Everyone in the yard, from Clifford Baker down, thought Kauto would win. They weren't allowed to say so, but the money put on Kauto before the off spoke volumes. Apart from the few hours he was injured, when Kauto traded at 300/1 on Betfair, Kauto Star was always favourite and went odds on for the first time all year in the minutes prior to the race due to sustained support. He opened 5/4 and went off 10/11F. Ruby Walsh was smiling as he got the leg up and having sat on both, only chose Kauto because he knew he was the better horse.
This sustained support for Kauto must be seen in the context of the fact Denman was the more popular horse for years with the betting public. An old fashioned chaser, big brute of a horse, front running bully, undefeated over fences, he was loved more than Kauto was for years, until maybe Denman retired. He deserved the admiration. So did Kauto, but he eventually got it much later, in the years when past his best athletically but still with the heart of a Champion.
What's idiotic in the analysis of the 08 Gold Cup is people claiming Denman's pace forced Kauto into mistakes (ignoring his mistakes when Neptune led the field) when Kauto slapped the Champion Chaser Voy Por Ustedes on the bridle in the Tingle Creek the season before. If on form and a Champion Chaser couldn't put him under pressure over the 2 mile distance, I doubt Denman could over 3 1/4 mile.
Denman received a rating of 180 for beating Kauto Star by 7 lengths on soft ground, meaning Timeform had Kauto Star below his best by 8lbs. It was probably more. When Kauto Star went on to beat Denman by 13 lengths on good ground the following year, Timeform had Denman run to a 179, 1 lb below his best. This shows Denman was still the same racehorse, and not some washed up bum with a bad heart, which is what some would have you believe. Their nonsense is confirmed as that by the 09 Hennessy.
Denman then won his second Hennessy off top weight, but this time off 176, whereas his first Hennessy was also off top weight but it was off a rating of 159. He beat a Grade 1 winner What A Friend by 3 1/2 lengths giving him 22lbs. That's an outrageous achievement. Timeform rated it a 183 performance, 3lbs better than his performance of beating Kauto Star. It should have been higher.
So in sum, no, Denman's best performance was giving stones away to good horses, not beating a below par Kauto Star at Cheltenham.
the 1 horse to take out of this race is captain chris. Interupted prep, hit at least half the fences and was still in with a shout turning in. Better horse in the spring and a good price for ryanair.
fingers crossed that the old boy is good for the Gold Cup..... i reckon he'll turn up, and surprise everyone. or i hope he does. *crosses fingers hard*
ALL THE BEST TO YOU IN THE GOLD CUP 2012
@iSh0tzv2 ha nice one! Will be at Cheltenham cheering him on. Best horse in the world and my inspiration
One word about the fourth horse, SOMERSBY DOES STAY THREE MILES!! His saddle slips turning out of the back straight, have a look. What a horse Kauto is though, was at Kempton that day and it was just amazing, Simon Holt's commentary was much better though (as always)
@AceLuvsZaynAndKautoX There is a statue being made for him at Haydock, I do believe :)
He also should have one here at Kempton, so he can stand along side Desert Orchid.
And he should get one at Cherltenham, whether he wins or not, just because he's tried so damn hard there that he deserves one. Like you said, a statue of kauto and Denman together at Cheltenham, because over the last 6 years they've given so much to the race and brought more people into racing. Also, I think I love him more :P
better than arkle for sure. stood the test of time like no other
I.25 lengths. His jumping won it. That's the name of the game.
Rumour has it there will be one more run for champ in the anthony knott charity race at Wincanton! :D
WHAT A RACE!!!
Brilliant horse. You only have to look at the reaction of Ruby and the other jockeys to see the regard he's held in. Time to let him retire gracefully as a life threatening injury for him would be tragic
i urge anyone to try and read Al Down's comments on gthis in the R/P or (as i did) in the kauto star book relased just before xmas 2012, it sums up brilliantly all emotion from this race - AWESOME DISPLAY
@iSh0tzv2 so true! Hope he runs well at Cheltenham
same again tmro Kauto!
@PhantomOftheOpera25 I agree. We don't criticise Sea the Stars for not giving the field a stone or so in an Ebor or Istabraq for not giving two stone to the field in the Tote Gold Trophy, so why chasers. What Arkle, Mill House, Flyingbolt, Dessie and Denman did in handicaps was phenomenal, but even in Arkle's day nay-sayers pointed to Golden Miller winning a National and a Gold Cup and doing the former in a course record under 12st 2.
anyone one will to send me c4 version of this plz!
Kauto, what a horse!
Golden Miller
thank god they give him the retirement he deserved , although boxing day wont be quite the same for a few years now
Inevitable that the first renewal of the Denman Chase should be run in by Long Run isn't it ;) hopefully he'll fail over 3 miles again and reassure me completely come Cheltenham.
im thinking of putting a few hundred on him each way ifor gold cup..good or not??
I was such a kauto star fan that every christmas after getting every ones presents I would put my whole wage as my present 5 out of 6 years he ran on king george only decided to give him a miss the day the put tony McCoy on him no disrespect to McCoy but after what happend to me with denman and McCoy on him at aintree and all my winnings from aintree £600 all on denman taught me a lesson and it was a good one as was not the right jockey for kauto only rugby Walsh and that's it
Long Run's mistakes:
fence 4 - got a bit close
fence 7 - not totally fluent/bit low
fence 10 - bit low, tongue is hanging out (ought to be tied to help his breathing)
fence 13 - got close, dragged legs through
fence 14 - under pressure, brushed through
fence 15 - not fluent
fence 17 - got too close
final fence - too close
Kauto was foot perfect throughout :D but got tired...whereas Long Run rallied close to home. in the Gold Cup, Kauto's best chance is to out jump the others/Long Run.
i love kauto star but it was pretty close
@iSh0tzv2 tickets for friday for me, bricking it for him but same here, can't wait! haha
The horse that could beat you just by jumping
''The Kauto Star Chase'' at Haydock? Couldn't imagine they'd change the KG name
@iSh0tzv2 He'd have to. I'll be *very* annoyed if there isn't a statue of him someplace when he does retire. My vote is they do Kauto & Denman together at Cheltenham so I could see it every day haha :)
I'll cry anyway, either because I love him and he's won (I hope) or because I love him and he's got beat... let's just say cuz I love him :D
listen ..ur all ks fans ...he will run ...and he will win ,,,fit as a butchers dog ...jumps like a stag ..12 years of age ...all records broke x
kauto will always be better than desert orchid
Crisp
@walkerb93 long run all the way at cheltenham...BIG TIME!!
It was definitely his jumping and high cruising speed that saved him. The others were under pressure miles out, he's in another league!
He was good to jump so well at the last because his petrol tank was starting to run on empty, every time I watch this I'm thinking "where is that godamned winning post!"
The extra 1/4mile in the Gold Cup wont do him any favours but if he jumps so well and puts the others under pressure again.. The old King might just do it :) Then he should retire immediately!
Kauto star never faults at a fence . In my opinion this well help him at cheltenham
How did masterminded get in there?
@liamobrien06 Kauto is a flat track champ. If Long Run does him at Cheltenham it will be that Long Run is the better horse at the tougher track. Long Run is very special. When he wins he clocks remarkable times.
im going to be ragen if kauto dosent race please god
@Mr75littlebay Yes, but remember Kauto wasn't 100% that day. Ruby said he felt flat after 2 fences and he'd had that injury scare at Ascot. He may not have beaten Denman anyway that day, but in fact rather than blowing Kauto's head clean off as H Findlay said, Denman had to put a gun to his own head that day. They're both legends. As for last March, Denman was not the horse he was and Kauto obviously wasn't right all last year. Even not 100% they were good enough to place.
@CaptainCrabeye i donk think bog warrior wil run though unless the ground is soft ! hope kauto is ready to go to cheltenham i just know if he is right he will finish in front of long run !
I cried after the last fence (and felt a bit gay doing it)
he doesn't have the acceleration he had 5 years ago, but his jumping seems to get better with every race - he can out jump the others and easily puts pressure on them - as proven over the last few fences whereall the others were crashing through and dragging legs.
Had Long Run been better at the last and Kauto crashed through like he used to, LR would have won.
Kauto is pure fantastic, his jumping saved him and he thoroughly deserved this after his career.
doubters, go hang yourselves ;)