Kauto Star was owned by Clive Smith and trained by Paul Nicholls
30 June 2015
Last updated at
09:37
Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star has been put down after suffering a fracture to his pelvis following a fall.
The gelding won 23 of his 41 races, including five King George VI Chases.
The 15-year-old moved to dressage after retiring from racing in 2012.
His rider Laura Collett said: “Devastated to announce Kauto Star sustained injury in the field, with his best interest at heart a decision was made to put him to sleep.”
BBC Sport’s Frank Keogh on the ‘legend’ Kauto
“Jockey Ruby Walsh once likened Kauto Star to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The horse was quick, versatile, brilliant, beautiful even – winning top races over a range of distances from two miles to more than three-and-a quarter miles.
“He was tough, too. When many thought retirement beckoned, he came back to his best and won a record fifth King George VI Chase at an enraptured Kempton Park.
“There is deep sadness in the racing world today at the loss of an equine legend.”
Owner Clive Smith told the Racing Post: “I am devastated. He had been turned out in Laura’s paddock, as has been done normally with him at this time for years, and he looks to have jumped something, and stumbled, we’re not really sure, but he injured himself – and it became obvious it was serious.
Source:: BBC UK
