William Hill, together with Kempton Park, are delighted to announce the acknowledgement of Kauto Stars achievements by including his name in the title of the Feltham known this year as ‘The Kauto Star Feltham Novices’ Steeple Chase’ (in memory of Nigel Clark) with immediate effect until approval has been agreed for a permanent renaming of the race.
No horse in modern racing history has done more to promote National Hunt racing than Kauto Star.
The ultimate champion chaser who at various times was the highest rated runner over two miles, two and a half miles and three miles, Kauto Star accumulated an astonishing 16 Grade One victories in a UK career that started at Newbury in December 2004, and ended last month when connections announced his retirement.
However, just as in a previous generation when Desert Orchid became synonymous with Kempton and Boxing Day, it was over Kempton’s three miles that Kauto Star will be best remembered.
Kauto Star was simply imperious over the three miles at the Sunbury track, completing four successive wins in the William Hill King George VI Chase from 2006 – by an aggregate of 63 lengths – before his emotional and record-breaking fifth success last year, when holding Long Run in a truly epic battle.
The three mile Feltham, Grade One, test for novice chasers over the William Hill King George course and distance is a highly appropriate way of remembering the great warrior on his beloved track.
It will provide all racegoers, television viewers and punters with a reminder of what Kauto Star meant to racing, and to Boxing Day in particular.
History shows that the only time Kauto Star met with defeat in the King George was when the race had to be rescheduled.
Kate Miller, PR Director for William Hill, said, “This announcement gives us a chance to show our appreciation for the mighty Kauto Star. In discussion with Kempton, we felt that the inclusion of Kauto’s name in a prestigious Grade One chase was the most appropriate course of action. The William Hill Winter Festival is now as much a part of Boxing Day as a turkey sandwich, and thanks to Kauto Star it has been a lot more special for the last six seasons. No horse in my lifetime has made more of an impact than Kauto, and it will be an emotional moment when he parades in front of his adoring fans on Boxing Day.”
Phil White, General Manager at Kempton Park, commented, “It is an amazing legacy that Kauto Star leaves at Kempton Park, his achievements over the past six seasons are second-to-none and unlikely to be surpassed. Both William Hill and Kempton Park are honoured to mark the esteem that racing fans throughout the nation hold for Kauto Star and we are especially delighted to welcome the superstar back to Kempton Park on Boxing Day this year to let his adoring public wave him a fond farewell”.
