Kauto back at Down Royal

Former champion Kauto Star will race for the first time in Ireland on Saturday in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

The 2007 Gold Cup winner will face just four rivals, with last year's Grand National third Snowy Morning the notable absentee from what was already set to be a small field affair.

Ruby Walsh will be back on board Kauto Star for the first time in public since their defeat to Our Vic in the totesport Bowl at Aintree.

Walsh partnered Kauto Star in a light canter around Down Royal on Friday morning and made a positive report.

"We were cantering on the inside of the hurdle track which will be a bit softer than the chase track but he looks well, is in great nick and it's fingers crossed for tomorrow," he told At The Races.

"He came over yesterday, we brought him out this morning and he'll have a canter again tomorrow morning.

Great nick

"He's in great nick and he seems to be holding his condition, hopefully he can hold on to his form but he's a wonderful horse and hopefully he'll show that tomorrow.

"Irish ground can get a bit softer than in England but it will be the same for the five of them. He should handle it and I just hope it doesn't turn into an absolute slog and bottom everything, that's all."

Regular Irish visitor The Listener looks to be Kauto Star's chief opponent on his first start for new trainer Nick Mitchell, while Nicky Richards sends Turpin Green over to Northern Ireland from his Cumbrian base.

Jessica Harrington's Knight Legend and the almost certain outsider Light On The Broom make up the home defence.

Tipped up

The Listener tipped up early on his first visit to Down Royal a year ago in a race won by Kauto Star's stablemate Taranis.

His visits south of the border have been more successful and he won both the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase and the Irish Hennessy last season.

"It usually cuts up a bit but it's still a good old race," said Dorset-based Mitchell.

"We came over on Wednesday and everything seems to be going to plan.

"It's no secret the only way to ride him is to break away and let him bowl along. I have walked the course and it is very soft - nearly heavy - but that's not a problem as it suits him."