Kauto Star made amends for last month's slip-up at Haydock with a third consecutive success in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.Trained by Paul Nicholls and partnered by Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star justified odds of 10-11 to emulate Desert Orchid, the only other horse to capture the Christmas showpiece three times.The hotly-backed favourite survived a few minor jumping scares early on to shrug off the challenge of Albertas Run up the Kempton straight with Voy Por Ustedes taking third.At eight year
Kauto Star made amends for last month's slip-up at Haydock with a third consecutive success in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Trained by Paul Nicholls and partnered by Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star justified odds of 10-11 to emulate Desert Orchid, the only other horse to capture the Christmas showpiece three times.
The hotly-backed favourite survived a few minor jumping scares early on to shrug off the challenge of Albertas Run up the Kempton straight with Voy Por Ustedes taking third.
At eight years of age Kauto Star, who won by eight lengths, still has plenty of mileage left on the clock and all being well will be back next year to bid for a four-timer.
This was the French-bred's 10th Grade One success.
"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," Walsh said.
"He's always been a wonderful horse but when you are at the top, people want to knock you."
Nicholls, who also has Gold Cup winner Denman in his care, said Kauto Star deserved more accolades.
"I wish some people would give him the respect he deserves," he said.
"I'm so pleased for the horse, not anyone else, just him.
"I wish I hadn't run him last time at Haydock - it was not (jockey) Sam Thomas' finest hour but we knew we had him back.
"When he's right, he's a very good horse.
"He definitely won't run before the Gold Cup and I can safely say he will only have the one run next year before the King George."