After coming so close in 2006 to his first Cheltenham Blue Riband event win when he ran in 2nd on Hedgehunter, Ruby Walsh finally steered home his first Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph, Kauto Star, the pre race 5-4 favourite in 2007. The 7 year old, trained by Paul Nicholls ran in two and a half lengths in front of 2nd placed 9-2 2nd favourite, Exotic Dancer, ridden by Tony McCoy.
Prestbury Park Buzzing
As is customary at this most prestigious of race meetings, there was a large crowd and an ‘electric’ air anticipation in the air prior to the off. The decibel level was cranked up another notch as they got under way and in the early stages, as the 18 strong field headed down the first straight.
2nd Last
The mid part of the race saw the eventual winner tucked into the pack, making his move coming round the final bend. There were a few hearts in mouths as a loose horse, Idle Talk who had unseated rider Jason Maguire at the 5th fence, threatened to be cause problems, but he eventually made way, leaving the course clear for the front runners.
Kauto Star stormed into the lead over the 2nd last and had a straightforward run to the line afterwards to take the Gold Cup title and the £200,000 prize money.
The Betfair Million
The good news just kept on coming for owner Clive Smith, as having already won the King George VI chase and the Betfair chase earlier in the season, this third triumph netted a cool £1m bonus for completing the ‘Betfair Million’ treble.
Ruby Delight
Trainer Paul Nicholls was over the moon with his winning pair after the race, extolling their virtues of his champion horse and rider during a TV interview:
“Ruby knew what he had to do and I just told him to go out there and do what he does best.
I told him to just have faith in him and that is what he did. It feels brilliant”
Walsh was equally ecstatic, but was keen to point out how calm he had been when it mattered.
“He was settled in the parade ring and during the race, so it was just a matter of when I pressed the button. I completely forgot about all the pressure during the race, despite everybody having an opinion on Kauto Star. This is the greatest race and he has won it easily.”
The assembled Cheltenham race crowd had witnessed an impressive turn of pace from Kauto Star, with many predicting a bright future for the 7 year old french horse. Only time would tell if he could go on to emulate the greats, but this had been one heck of a win and one heck of a season for this wonderful gelding.
