Kauto Star became the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup after winning this year's edition of one of British racing's most prestigious races over fences on Friday.Sent off as the 7-4 favourite, the 2007 champion won by a huge 13 lengths from stablemate and last year's winner Denman in a triumph for English trainer Paul Nicholls.Ridden by in-form Irish jockey Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star went clear of Denman - who'd been struggling with heart problems for almost a year since triumphing at Ch
Kauto Star became the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup after winning this year's edition of one of British racing's most prestigious races over fences on Friday.
Sent off as the 7-4 favourite, the 2007 champion won by a huge 13 lengths from stablemate and last year's winner Denman in a triumph for English trainer Paul Nicholls.
Ridden by in-form Irish jockey Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star went clear of Denman - who'd been struggling with heart problems for almost a year since triumphing at Cheltenham - at the third last.
Exotic Dancer, with champion jockey Tony McCoy in the saddle, was third.
"When Sam (Thomas, on Denman) moved up alongside me I didn't know what was going to happen off the bend," Walsh, speaking after riding his seventh winner of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, told the BBC.
"But in all fairness to him he has picked up, winged the second last and galloped all the way to the line.
"Denman has run an incredible race because two weeks ago it was fifty-fifty whether he was going to run or not and he has turned into the straight upsides in a Gold Cup, an incredible performance.
"Kauto jumped super, travelled so well all the way and I was probably in front sooner than I wanted but he just took me there.
"He was brilliant two out and pinged the last - which is unusual for him - I've had an amazing week and he was the one I wanted to win with.
"He's the greatest horse I've ever ridden. Two miles (3200m), three miles (4800m), now two Gold Cups. He's magic, he's a wonder horse."
Nicholls, always bullish about Kauto Star's chances, 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. What an unbelievable horse Kauto Star is."
Kauto Star's victory meant owner Clive Smith had won two of the Festival's premier races after Master Minded's victory in the Champion Chase.
"I'm staggered," Smith said.
"What a wonderful run, the best he's ever run I think. It's unbelievable to have won the Champion Chase and now this. I can't believe it."