Competition winners get close up with Kauto Star

RACING POST Members' Club competition winners Robert Brown (second left) and Andy Johnson (far right) and their partners Charlotte Brough and Kim Munslow got close up with Kauto Star after winning the opportunity to visit Paul Nicholls' yard on February 8 and meet the legendary jump racing star himself.

Automatically entered into the draw as part of their Racing Post membership, the lucky winners were treated to an action-packed morning that included the chance to watch the likes of Big Buck's and Zarkandar on the gallops as well as watching Kauto Star's half-brother Kauto Stone school.

Johnson said: "A massive thanks to Paul Nicholls and the Racing Post for arranging such a brilliant prize. Getting the chance to have an insider's view of the top jumps stable in the country was amazing and to get so close to Kauto Star, Denman, Big Buck's and all of the others was a thrill. We're counting down the days to Cheltenham now and the thought of watching Kauto win an unbelievable third Gold Cup. Good luck to everyone connected to the yard."

And Brown added: "From the first minute to the last it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. A big thank you must go to Robert Baker who showed us around the yard with great patience and knowledge. Final thanks has to go to Mr Nicholls himself for taking the time to meet us on Tuesday evening, allowing us the fantastic level of access we experienced and for agreeing to put up the prize for the competition.

"The trip itself had so many highlights, such as watching horses like Zarkandar and Brampour work, seeing Kauto Stone schooling and obviously seeing the great Kauto Star in the flesh. However, the pinnacle had to be chatting to Mr Nicholls over a drink about anything racing.

"Many thanks to the Racing Post for putting the competition on and I hope you will continue to do so, as if other racing fans enjoy their trips half as much as we have this one then they will have had an unforgettable time."