Paul Nicholls pleased with injured Kauto Star’s progress
Trainer Paul Nicholls seems satisfied with the way Kauto Star has been recovering from the soreness he sustained following a heavy tumble last month.
The 12-year-old was in action during a round of schooling, when he suddenly lost his balance. According to the rider Ruby Walsh, it was a heavy fall, as the legendry chaser completely miscalculated his jump.
Kauto Star did not show much improvement early on, but he quickly started recovering afterwards. Despite an increased workload earlier this week, the veteran gelding faced no difficult and Nicholls is happy to see his trainee regaining his fitness.
He said:
"We upped Kauto Star's work again today. He had his now regular morning physio and an hour on the walker and then we gave him his most testing workout since his schooling fall. We gave him two strong canters up the hill alongside my Fred Winter hopeful Ulck
Du Lin. And again I have to report that he came through it fine and I'm happy with him at the moment.”
"What particularly pleased me that, aside from looking great, he came back from the work and had a good roll in his box, always a good sign with him," added the experienced handler.
Kauto Star is due to take part in the Gold Cup, a high profile contest he has won twice in his career. Although his participation in the big event is not confirmed yet, the trainer and connections are quite hopeful to see him back in action.
On Tuesday, Nicholls made some changes to Kauto Star’s training program, as the 12-year-old will work alongside his stable mate, Mon Parrain, at Wincanton on Friday.
He was earlier due to gallop with Big Buck's at home on the weekend, but the trainer decided to take him to Wincanton. Writing in his Betfair column, Nicholls opined that it is a good idea to give Kauto Star a heavy workout away from home.
He confirmed that the gelding will be ridden by Walsh, who is also due to ride Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. The trainer also revealed that Kauto Star will be schooled on Monday morning, if he does well at Wincanton.
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