KAUTO TO RACE IN GOLD CUP
Kauto Star will be fit to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup after an injury scare during the weekend's Ascot Chase.
The news means that Kauto will go head-to-head with stable-mate Denman in the flagship event of the Cheltenham Festival, making the March 14 Gold Cup one of the most eagerly anticipated in over 40 years.
The defending Gold Cup champion was found to have a back foot problem following his easy win in the Ascot Chase but vets drained pus and cleared up a small infection on Sunday morning.
The scare prompted prices on rival Denman to drop suddenly but Kauto remains the favourite with Denman not far behind for the 14 March event.
Trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed that the scare has not altered any plans for Cheltenham next month. "Thankfully, the infection will make no difference whatsoever to his preparation for the Gold Cup.
"It's all systems go for Cheltenham. He was sound when led out for a 20-minute walk, and he is virtually sound when trotting. We might be able to get a shoe on by Wednesday, and give him a canter. He'd have a couple of days off anyway following his race, so nothing has changed."
"The problem had probably been brewing, and the race brought it out. It's by no means uncommon, and if it happens 48 hours before a race the problem can often be sorted out within 24 hours, with the horse sound by the time of the race. However, we would have been in some trouble if this had flared up on Friday night because he'd have missed his final prep.
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