• Horse Racing

Kauto Star set for dressage career

ESPN staff
December 11, 2012
Kauto Star was immortalised in bronze at Haydock © Getty Images
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Kauto Star could embark on a career in dressage after his retirement from racing this year, his owner Clive Smith has revealed.

The 12-year-old may not be going for a sixth victory at the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, but will be a guest of honour at Kempton, leading the runners to post.

After conferring with eventing expert Yogi Breisner, Smith has decided to send the two-time Gold Cup winner to event rider Laura Collett for a month's training.

"I didn't want him to be stuck in a box or turned out in a field when he is still so full of life and Yogi was of the opinion that he had the right attributes.

"Other retired racehorses like Garrison Savannah and Neptune Collonges have gone on to have successful careers in the dressage ring and I'd love him to be able to make the transition."

Collett tweeted: "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."

Smith revealed Kauto Star enjoys a celebrity status and the attention he had received since his retirement was "almost embarrassing".

"It's been amazing how the public have been so incredibly supportive and kind - at Sandown on Saturday and at Haydock for the unveiling of his statute," he said.

"They come up and I say 'I love you' and things like that. Some of those ladies are very keen on Kauto Star! I hope he'll be able to keep making these appearances for as long as people want to see him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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