Surprising turns and twists to the end of the 2012 season
The end to the 2012 season could not have been more eventful, it marked the end of many careers and many associations too. With the racing icons, it was Frankel in flat horse racing who got retired to stud duty and is reported to start in 2013. Brilliant
hurdler on the other hand, Kauto Star, also bid farewell to the race tracks that he had ruled for very long. He came back to the trainer, Paul Nicholls, with five King George VI Chase titles and two Cheltenham Cups.
The season also saw the end to the 18-year association of the ace jockey, Frankie Dettori and the strongest racing facility, Godolphin. Upon taking the arch rival, trainer, Aidan O’Brien’s entry, Camelot, in the Arc, cost the retention of the Vice President
of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum.
The jockey, in defence stated that the decision worked in the favour of both as he wanted to launch himself as a free lance rider, open for all and retained by none. He also mentioned that he will still take up the rides of his former employer.
However, something that no one could have ever predicted or foreseen was the contention between the connections of the now retired legend, Kauto Star. The hurdle champion is now in the care of one of the most aspiring twenty-two-year-old Olympian, Collett.
"I feel very privileged and extremely honoured to have been asked to ride Kauto Star. I will be working closely with Yogi to give Kauto Star the best chance of a second career in dressage."
She added: "Kauto Star has arrived safe and sound. Had a nice roll, now happily munching on his hay!"
"Just had a lovely chat with @PFNicholls about Kauto Star...I have reassured him Kauto will be treated like the legend he is...".
As things turned out, the owner, Clive Smith, wanted Kauto Star to leave the Ditcheat yard, to pursue the career as a dressage horse, however, receiving the news not very well, the trainer, Paul Nicholls, waiting even not for another hour, sent the twelve-year-old
to his new stable.
The owner commented that he found Paul Nicholls’ attitude towards the situation highly disappointing.
The only person happy with this arrangement is the new trainer, Collett.
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