Kauto Star’s bid for a fifth successive King George VI Chase win was thwarted by the Nicky Henderson-trained second favourite Long Run on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls’ wonder horse could only manage a third place finish at the rescheduled Kempton Park card which fell foul of adverse weather conditions on St Stephen’s Day.
The 11-year-old was partnered by champion jockey Tony McCoy for the five-in-a-row bid which never looked likely after the final fence when Kauto Star blundered and almost unseated McCoy.
Long Run, who returned home in front as the 9/2 second favourite, was given a peach of a ride by Sam Whaley-Cohen, while it was an extremely successful day for trainer Nicky Henderson who also saddled the runner-up Riverside Theatre and went home with five winners from the eight race card.
“Sam (Waley-Cohen) has done brilliantly and given him a beautiful ride,” said Henderson.
“As for Long Run, he is indeed a real champion.”
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