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Paul Nicholls: 'It was one of the most special days I've had in racing'

The Ditcheat trainer and co reflect on Kauto Star's fifth King George in 2011

Kauto Star beats Long Run to win the King George for a record fifth time
Kauto Star beats Long Run to win the King George for a record fifth timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sunday marks ten years since chasing great Kauto Star eclipsed Desert Orchid’s King George record with a memorable fifth victory in the race, a feat his trainer Paul Nicholls believes won’t be repeated in our lifetimes.

The Clive Smith-owned chaser had lost his Kempton crown to subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Long Run the previous season, when the race took place on January 15 due to a combination of frost and snow during Christmas week.

However, just six days before turning 12, Kauto Star reversed the form at the packed Sunbury track to record a historic success. It remains one of the best days in Nicholls’ career.

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