New Careers for Kauto Star and Denman

[oscar]

Ever wondered what happens to Steeple chasing legends when they retire?

I bet there wasn't a dry eye In Ditcheat when Kauto Star left his home of many years from trainer Paul Nicholls yesterday to join European bronze medalist Eventing rider Laura Collett for a new career In Dressage.

Nicholls confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: "We have delivered Kauto Star to his new home.

"The departure for a life of dressage with eventer Laura Collett has come earlier than anticipated, and has apparently left many at the Nicholls stable distraught.

"I am sure he will have the best of everything. Good luck my friend, horse of a lifetime."

Collett, 22, is due to be assisted by Breisner, the Great Britain manager and coach who has overseen medal success at Olympic, World and European level.
"I feel very privileged and extremely honoured to have been asked to ride Kauto Star," Collett tweeted.
"I will be working closely with Yogi to give Kauto Star the best chance of a second career in dressage."

BBC Sport - Kauto Star leaves Paul Nicholls to join Laura Collett in dressage


The summer holidays are over at Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat yard and 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman is off to begin his new career as a hunter and team chaser in the Cotswolds.
Denman travelled to his new home, at Charlotte Alexander's yard in Gloucestershire.
Charlotte added that she intends to take things slowly with him, focusing on roadwork before taking him out hunting.

"If he takes to that, we'll try team chasing — I'm sure he will, though coming out of racing everything's a huge learning curve,” she said. “I think he'll make a fabulous hunter as he's so athletic. My plan is to run him in the open teamLycetts; A Class Act in the future."

Denman starts his new career as a hunter and team chaser - Horse & Hound


What can I say that thousands of fans haven't already said? The racing world will never see you're like again In this generation. Both horses of a lifetime...Both adored by the Nation.... We'll miss you... Just stay safe fella's.

One of the greatest races I was ever privaliged to witness.... Kauto Star, Denman and the 2012 winner of The Grand National Neptune Collogne.

Cheltenham totesport Gold Cup 2008 - YouTube

[Bryn Mawr]

Having dealt with an ex-steeple chaser in the past I am shocked.

I have never come across such a lunatic horse and the thought of such a maniac doing dressage is frightening.

Just goes to show that you cannot generalise from a small sample - I wish Kauto Star all the best in his new life.

[Peter Lake]

Shame on you.

[oscar]

Thanks for the memories.

Tribute to Kauto Star - Legend of Haydock Park.mov - YouTube

RIP Exotic Dancer
Speedy recovery Imperial Commander

[oscar]

An update on how Kauto Is doing two months In to learning Dressage.

Kauto Star - dressage (ITV News) - YouTube

[oscar]

Kauto Star made his dressage debut at Newbury saturday.

BBC Sport - Kauto Star makes dressage debut at Newbury racecourse

I have to absolutely take my hat off to Laura Collett. I have seen the footage of his debut and he was Impeccable. Certainly a massive change from the bucking and squealing we have seen In the parade ring before races.... Kauto Star not Laura Collett.

I am truly astonished at how she's got him so calm and trained to use muscles that he's never had to use In Steeple chasing before In just 8 weeks... more Importantly, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself and enjoying showing off.

I take back everything I said... Laura's has performed a miracle but then our Kauts Is no ordinary horse. 2016 Olympics for Kauto ???