• King George VI Chase

Long Run denies Kauto Star with King George win

Long Run strides clear of Kauto Star to win the King George VI Chase © PA Photos

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Long Run ended Kauto Star's bid for a record fifth King George VI Chase, as the four-time winner could only come home in third behind the Nicky Henderson-trained winner.

The Henderson runner has long been viewed as the successor to Kauto Star and it was the day that the pupil overtook the master as Long Run jumped superbly, took up the running turning for home and powered clear for an impressive success under the guidance of owner's son Sam Waley-Cohen.

Kauto Star was on and off the bridle for Tony McCoy, as the horse has tended to do in recent years, but on this occasion his stamina failed to kick in and he was beaten before an awful blunder sealed his fate.

McCoy did superbly to keep the partnership intact at the second last, but it was a stopping blunder and it cost him any chance of second - as the Henderson camp celebrated a 1-2 as Riverside Theatre ran on well for second.

Nacarat led the field for much of the way, but he did not go the mad gallop of 12 months ago. This arguably did not play to the strengths of Kauto Star, but it would be churlish to use it as an excuse as Long Run was a deserving winner.

"It's absolutely amazing," the winning jockey said. "We ploughed through the first, but we have done a lot of work on the inside school to teach him how to get in a rhythm.

"He really picked up and showed real courage as he was very long at some of them. He's a phenomenal horse and I'm so pleased he's shown people what he is capable of."

Paul Nicholls had no excuses following Kauto Star's defeat but will aim the 11-year-old at the Gold Cup.

"To be honest, I didn't ever think he was going to win during the race and there are no excuses. He just laboured a little bit and he could have jumped better," Nicholls said. "Sometimes when you watch him you know he's going to win, but I never thought that today. I was never really happy at any stage. The mistake cost him second, but he has done incredibly well to even come here five times.

"He just looked like he had lost half a yard around here at the age of 11. He's come back safe and sound, that's the main thing.

"I'll sit down and have a talk with Clive [Smith, owner] but if he is sound and well there is no reason why he can't run in this year's Gold Cup. Cheltenham will suit him better than Kempton does now, he's just that bit slower."

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