Clive Smith doesn’t believe age has caught up with Kauto Star and is looking forward to the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Trainer Paul Nicholls reported on Sunday that the dual Gold Cup winner had bled after the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday.
Well-beaten in third place, the 11-year-old made several jumping errors and a mistake at the second-last fence finally put paid to his chance and Tony McCoy, replacing the injured Ruby Walsh, did well to keep the partnership intact.
However owner Smith has been quick to jump to the gelding’s defence.
“We think he’s OK and don’t think age has caught up with him,” said Smith.
“He didn’t quite get to his fences in his usual way.
“I’m not criticising Tony McCoy, he’s a wonderful chap and a great jockey, but he’s got a different style to Ruby Walsh and maybe that showed.
“It was his first ride on him. It’s very hard to get on a horse like Kauto and ride to suit him.
“I thought Tony did very well and we also think the horse may have had an off day.
“He didn’t come out of his box so early on Saturday morning, according to his lad Nick Child – he’s normally on his toes and running around his box a bit.
“He was a bit more docile, but in the paddock he looked fine and looked very good as though he was going to enjoy himself, so I might not be right there.
“I think he’s still got a good chance in the Gold Cup,” he added
