Walsh salutes ‘horse of a lifetime’
Wednesday 31 October 2012
Ruby Walsh described Kauto Star as "incredible" after the announcement that the 12-year-old has run his last race in an illustrious career.
Walsh partnered the French import to 17 victories, including both his Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs and his five wins in the King George VI Chase.
"He's the horse of my lifetime. I'm very lucky to be the one who got to ride him. He was an incredible horse from the beginning, from when he won his novice chase in Newbury all the way to his fifth King George," said Walsh.
"He's got me to places I didn't think I'd ever be. He was just an incredible horse. A couple of Gold Cups, Betfair Chases, five King Georges, Tingle Creeks - he did everything. He was an amazing horse to ride and an amazing horse to be part of and I loved every minute of riding him.
"I remember going to Newbury to ride him (on his first run in Britain) and thinking, 'This is half an Arkle'. Paul (Nicholls) said he was a nice horse and he came down the straight with his head in his chest. I had so much horse underneath me and from that day I was in love with him.
"He had a few knocks and a few setbacks, but he was always an exceptional horse and a tough horse. He came back from hard races and heavy falls. He just kept coming back and getting back up to Grade One level again.
"He was a little indecisive (when jumping), so you always then had to be decisive.
"I have some amazing memories, so many good days. He was a wonderful horse to be riding and a wonderful horse to have in your life," he told Racing UK.
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