Kauto plans to be discussed Owner Clive Smith and trainer Paul Nicholls are likely to discuss plans for Kauto Star later in the week following his triumphant return to action at Down Royal. The dual Gold Cup hero put his bad fall in this year's Cheltenham showpiece behind him when winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase for a second time on Saturday. The joy was tempered, however, by jockey Ruby Walsh breaking his leg in a fall later in the afternoon which means a replacement will have to be found for Kauto Star when he bids for a record fifth successive victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Connections have also to decide whether to give Kauto Star another run before Christmas in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 27th. "We'll see how he recovers from the race in the next four or five days and he'll tell us," said Smith. "The King George is the absolute number one priority and maybe that's where we will go next, but we'll see. "We don't have to worry about making a decision on the Hennessy yet. "It's very sad what's happened to Ruby. I think he'll be out for quite a while, so it's very difficult. "I've not discussed it with Paul yet. I've got to go down later in the week and we'll have a chat about everything." Smith reported Kauto Star to be in excellent shape following his four-length victory over last season's Arkle Trophy winner Sizing Europe. "Kauto is perfect. He's back home. He's been out of his box and he knows he's had a run. He's a remarkable horse," he went on. "It was an excellent run and we're very pleased. I text a friend of mine after the race and said I was excited and relieved," said Smith. "He got a bit outpaced down the back, he was running against fast, fit two-mile type horses. "He did very well and all turned out right in the end. It was very good for him."
