Kauto Star crosses the line a record-breaking 36 lengths ahead of his rivals

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.com 

Kauto joins immortals with King George victory

Report: Kempton, Saturday

William Hill King George VI Chase (Grade 1) 3m

KAUTO STAR joined Desert Orchid as one of the greatest chasers of all time when landing his fourth consecutive King George VI Chase, a feat achieved by no other horse.

Desert Orchid set the record at four wins in five years, but Kauto Star bettered that on Saturday when annihilating a top-class field to win four in a row for trainer Paul Nicholls, jockey Ruby Walsh and owner Clive Smith.

At a canter, Kauto Star cruised past long-time leader Nacarat rounding the final bend and winged the final three fences of the William Hill-sponsored race, leaving the likes of Madison Du Berlais and Barbers Shop trailing in his wake.

Breathless, not from effort, but from admiration for his mount, Walsh said: "It's some performance to come back four years in a race and it's even better to win four in a row - it was some performance.

Ruby Walsh: "to be on Kauto Star's back is a privilege"

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

"Paul, Dan, Clifford, Mick they've all done it. To be on his back is a privilege."

A thrilled Nicholls reiterated his earlier thoughts: "I said he was as well as I ever had him, but that's the best he's ever been."

They are just opinions, but the form book will not lie. In 2006 Kauto Star won by eight lengths, in 2007 by 11 and last year by eight again, but in 2009 his margin of glory will go down as the longest on record.

In winning by 36 lengths, he beat the great Arkle's previous winning record of 30 lengths.

With a quartet of victories to analyse Walsh added: "It was the best King George he's run in with regards to pace.

"When I got to Nacarat he came on the bridle and I looked over my shoulder and Barbers Shop was the only horse I could see.

"The race reminded me of the King George Kicking King won.

"I guess Paul [Nicholls] was right when he said he never had him better and it showed. He's an amazing horse."