Nicholls hails Star quality
Monday, 28 December 2009 18:48Paul Nicholls has described Kauto Star as the 'horse of a lifetime' following his devastating performance in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner became the first horse in history to win the Festive feature four years on the bounce and the champion trainer can hardly believe how well his charge has come out of the race.
'It was a great performance and you don't get tired of watching it,' Nicholls told At The Races.
'I thought he'd win going into the race, but to win like he did was staggering.
'He used to make a few mistakes but he's got over that now. He's older and wiser and the ultimate professional really.
'You wouldn't know he'd had a race and that's the honest truth.
'After he pulled up on Saturday, Ruby (Walsh) cantered him straight past the stands to show to everybody and then he came back in and you wouldn't know he'd been to the races.
'He's ate up everything since and is as bright as a button at the moment. It's staggering really.
'God knows what Kauto said to Denman on Saturday night! I'm just lucky to have them and long may they stay sound.
'Kauto Star is the horse of a lifetime.'
