Kauto reclaims Gold Cup crown

Kauto Star wrote his name into racing legend by reclaiming the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in emphatic style from his stablemate Denman.

Having grabbed the crown in 2007, he lost it to Denman 12 months later but achieved what no other horse has ever managed to do in regaining it - and he did it in stunning fashion.

Ruby Walsh always looked confident on the Paul Nicholls-trained 7-4 favourite and was probably in front sooner than he wanted, but jumped the final two fences brilliantly to reverse the order of last year.

Everyone had hoped for a big clash between Denman and Kauto Star in last year's renewal but it never really materialised. However, when they turned into the straight alongside each other this time it was the tussle of dreams.

Unfortunately for Denman he has had his problems this season, but after only one run beforehand he performed way above expectations before eventually finding the winner 13 lengths too strong.

Exotic Dancer and Tony McCoy were another two and a half lengths back in third, with Nicholls' Neptune Collonges running another blinder in fourth.

Walsh said: "He's the greatest horse I've ever ridden. Two miles, three miles, now two Gold Cups. He's magic, he's a wonder horse.

"He travelled super all the way. I planned to follow Christian (Williams on Neptune Collonges) over the second last, but he pinged four out, pinged three out and two out as well. I love him anyway."

Nicholls said: "He's fit, he's fresh, he was never going to get beat today, but what a race Denman ran - Two weeks ago you'd have drawn stumps. It was a huge run from him and he'll be back next year.

"Kauto Star was fresh, very fit and the ground came right. He's a very good horse.

"My Will finished fifth as well, he ran a blinder. He will go to Aintree now with a massive chance.

"Neptune Collonges (fourth) ran a cracking race, the ground had just gone against him.

"But to get Kauto Star here today and Denman to run as good as that will give everyone pleasure as well. What an unbelievable horse Kauto Star is."

Nicholls added: "We know Kauto has to be fresh and we will just have three runs next season, Down Royal, Kempton and then back for a third Gold Cup."

Jonjo O'Neill is now eyeing a crack at the John Smith's Grand National with Exotic Dancer, although he would have to shoulder 11st 10lb at Aintree.

O'Neill said: "I think we should run him in the National as it may well suit him.

"Touch wood, he would jump and travel well round there and as he likes passing horses, that would also favour him and I think we are well-in."

Exotic Dancer finished fifth in last year's renewal of the Gold Cup, and O'Neill added: "Unfortunately it seems that when Kauto Star disappoints, that's the day we always do, too."