Racing: Kauto Star has been ruled out of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday week. Paul Nicholls' dual Cheltenham Gold Cup had been under consideration for the November 27th contest, where he would have been forced to concede weight all round.
After consulting with owner Clive Smith, Nicholls has revealed the 10-year-old will now head straight to Kempton in a bid to win the King George VI Chase for a record-breaking fifth time on Boxing Day.
"I have just put the phone down to Clive and we have taken the decision NOT to run Kauto Star in the Hennessy," the champion trainer said writing in his column at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls. "We have decided that the horse has two priorities this season, the King George and the Gold Cup, and we weren't going to jeopardise those by going to Newbury."
Nicholls has not ruled out Kauto Star lining up at Newbury in 12 months time however, with Smith keen to have a crack at the race before his pride and joy's career comes to an end.
"We will leave the Hennessy for this year. But, all being well, we will perhaps target the race first time up next season," Nicholls continued. "Make no mistake, he was a likely runner at one stage. Having always loved the race, Clive was very keen, and I wouldn't have stood in his way. The race and course would have suited him, and it would obviously have been one of the all-time great handicap performances had he gone to Newbury, and won.
"We have always been adventurous with this horse, as we showed when winning the Tingle Creek in between his 2006 Betfair Chase and King George victories. And he isn't getting any younger at 10."
Nicholls has revealed there are a number of factors which have led connections to decide against a trip to Berkshire.
"Firstly, Kauto Star came back from Down Royal a little bit quiet, as you would expect after the travelling and a hard race," the Ditcheat handler added.
"You need to be at the top of your game to win a Hennessy. Especially when running off a mark of 190.
"Secondly, while he is fine and could have run in the race, you have to look at what running at Newbury could have done to the rest of his season. One of his two main targets this season is the King George, and he would be the first horse to win the race five times if successful on Boxing Day.
"There was clearly a big danger of leaving the King George behind had he gone to Newbury. I suppose, in the back of our minds, there may have been a third reason, too. The unavailability of Ruby (Walsh)."
In the absence of Kauto Star, his stable companion Denman will shoulder top-weight as he attempts to win the valuable handicap for an historic third time.
"Denman will go to Newbury seeking to make history of his own in trying to become the only horse to win the race three times, with Mandarin and Arkle the other two-time winners," Nicholls said. "In fact, Denman will be one of five I run in the race. He will be joined by Neptune Collonges, Taranis, The Tother One and Niche Market."