TRIBUTES
Ruby Walsh: “He was without a doubt the best chaser I’ve ever ridden - a horse in a lifetime. I’ll never ride one as good as him again. How could you? Just look at his record. He was a wonderful horse to ride and he gave me some of the best days I’ll ever have as a jockey. Kauto, very simply, was one of the greatest jump horses in history.”
Paul Nicholls: “He was the champion of all champions really, and I was very lucky to have him in a golden era. He was just the horse of a lifetime. When he left it was a big hole we had to fill in everyone’s lives.”
Anthony Bromley, bloodstock advisor: “He was a truly great horse. He gave us some wonderful days and was at the top for a remarkable eight seasons. He was the best I’ve been associated with and I remember his career as Grade 1 win after Grade 1 win.”
Dan Skelton: “He will live on in the annals of racing history for ever. It’s 1000/1 and drifting 1’ll ever see ever see a horse like him. They actually become a personality and he was one that needed humanising.”
Tony McCoy: “It’s very sad news to hear of the death of Kauto Star as he was a legend of a horse and the most complete chaser of the modern era. Any horse that wins five King Georges and two Gold Cups is something special. It’s a sad loss and my condolences go out to all concerned.”
Sam Thomas: “I was very lucky to be part of the team then [won the Betfair Chase] and I was fortunate enough to experience how good he was. I feel honoured to have been able to play a small part in the incredible career of a true great.”
Barry Geraghty: “He was a great horse, one of the best steeplechasers of all time. What made him special was he delivered top-class performances over different distances.”
michael owen @themichaelowen
So sad to hear Kauto Star has passed away. We may never see another one that good in our lifetime.
Donald McCain @donaldmccain
Very sad to hear the news about kauto star.The betfair chase against imperial commander is still one of best races I’ve seen
Brendan Powell @bpowell13
Sad news about #KautoStar . Must remember what a great horse he was and how @PFNicholls kept him at his peak for so long. A tribute to Paul
Ross Moynihan @rossmoyno7
Kauto Star is the horse that made me fall in love with the game. Majestic horse. Amazing horse.
Steven Powell @StevenPowell89 Jun 30
Will never forget seeing Kauto Star win his 4th Betfair Chase at Haydock. The best day I’ve ever spent on a racecourse. Gutted.
Chris Dixon @cdixon82
#KautoStar had the heart to match his unparalleled class. Have so many great memories of him, Haydock 2011 tops the list.
Vanessa Binnie Ryle @V_Binnie_Ryle
What a sad end for a horse who inspired so many, including myself. When he was at his peak, he was just magic.