Paul Nicholls is in no hurry to make a decision on what the future holds for his Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Kauto Star and Denman.
Denman and Kauto Star fit and healthy and looking fantastic
Paul Nicholls is in no hurry to make a decision on what the future holds for his Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Kauto Star and Denman.
Kauto Star won the blue riband event in 2007 and became the first horse ever to regain the crown two years later.
A remarkable four victories in the King George VI Chase and numerous other Grade One prizes also feature on a stellar CV.
Denman won his Gold Cup in 2008 and has filled the runner-up spot for the last three years, chasing home Long Run back in March, with Kauto Star a creditable third.
With the pair now 11-year-olds, whether they will race again when the National Hunt season kicks into gear remains in question.
Kauto Star was pulled up at the Punchestown Festival on his most recent start but Nicholls will wait until he and Denman return to training before deciding on the next move.
Coming In
"The main group of horses are starting to come in and we're just starting to catch them all up," said Nicholls.
"We're bringing most of them in from now until early next week. By then most of the horses will be back in.
"There has been no decision (on Kauto Star). He isn't going to come in that early as he and Empire Levant both went to Punchestown, so they'll get a bit longer.
"Clive (Smith, owner) and I won't be rushing into making any decision. We're not rushing to get him back in and we're not rushing to do anything, really.
"We will get him back in. He'll come back in with Denman as they do everything together and we'll just see what they're like.
"They went out into the field fit and healthy and they're fit and healthy and look fantastic now.
"We won't be making any decisions about where they run or if they'll run until a bit later on.
"Once we've made a decision, we'll let everyone know."
