Horse Racing: Tests show Kauto Star to have low-grade infection
Kauto Star’s trainer, Paul Nicholls let reporters know on Wednesday that the colt’s blood tests have revealed signs of inflammation and an infection that is in no way greatly threatening to his life. The tests were prompted by Kauto Star’s loss, which came
as a sudden shock to his fans and connections, in the William Hill King George VI Chase held last weekend.
Kauto Star, who is only 11 years of age and is owned by Clive D. Smith and bred by Mme Henri Aubert, was aiming to make a greater name in the history of horse-racing by winning in Kempton’s showpiece race for the fifth time.
Although Kauto ended up getting third place, he lost only by a small margin to Long Run and Riverside Theatre, both of whom are under the training of Nicky Henderson. The colt was, however, reported to have experienced some bleeding after the race ended; the
first time in Kauto’s steady and successful career.
Kauto Star’s trainer Nicholls announced the colt’s test results for public notice on the social networking site, Twitter in a post that read: “Just had Kauto Star’s blood test results. Shows signs of inflammation and low-grade infection. Week’s antibiotics
and easy few days. Update on Friday.”
Following the King George Chase, Nicholls put a firm end to rumours of Kauto Star’s retirement and said that the horse would further go on to participate in Cheltenham to compete for the Totesport Gold Cup, for which the odds of his victory are as likely
as 10-1.
This news came forth only a day after Kauto Star’s position in the official jumps rankings plummeted from number one to number six. Kauto Star’s rating has also experienced a great fall and at present rests at 174, which is the lowest yet for him in more
than five years, putting him behind horses such as Imperial Commander, stablemates Denman and Master Minded, Long Run – one of his competitors in the King George Chase - and the deceased Twist Magic, another racehorse trained by Paul Nicholls.
The British Horseracing Authority’s head of handicapping, Phil Smith said that thirteen months have passed since Kauto Star’s commendable performance at the King George Chase, since which he has fallen at Cheltenham, emerged the victor against seven others
at Down Royal – where he ran to 168 only- and achieved third place at Kempton.
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