Three-in-a-row for Kauto Star at Kempton Kauto Star secured a magnificent third consecutive Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton. Paul Nicholls' brilliant chaser atoned for a recent blip at Haydock to rack up his 10th Grade One victory. Albertas Run stayed on for second, while Voy Por Ustedes was third. Only Desert Orchid had previously won the Christmas cracker three years in succession but now the eight-year-old will have every chance of emulating the gallant grey in 12 months' time with a fourth win. Kauto Star became a nationwide gamble as he was backed off the boards from an early-morning price of 11-8 into 10-11 favourite. He put in a few scary leaps early on but turned into the straight still on the bridle. Albertas Run rushed up on his outside looking threatening but could not live with the former Gold Cup winner when Ruby Walsh pressed the button. As the Kempton crowd held its breath when Kauto Star approached the final fence, it was as if the horse knew all eyes were on him and he paddled through it in his now almost-trademark style. He never looked like falling though and won by eight lengths. Walsh enthused: "He's a star, isn't he? "It was a truly-run race and a few good jumps put him into the race - after that he was away.
