History beckons for Kauto Star

Kauto Star won the Gold Cup in 2007 and again in 2009 Credit: ITV West

By the grand old age of 12 most race horses have lost interest. But not this one. He defies the laws of age and defies the odds. In a sport of kings, Kauto Star still wears the crown. On Friday, he could join Arkle and Best mate in the panteon of three -time gold Cup winners

Kauto Star could join Arkle and Best Mate as three -time Gold Cup winners Credit: ITV West

After finishing behind Long Run in last year's race it seemed the gold cup torch had been passed. Then twice this season the old champ hit back and beat the new horse on the block and his last victory on Boxing Day immediately set up a mouthwatering decider for Cheltenham.

Not even a fall whilst schooling fences at his Somerset yard last month could knock Kauto off course and his trainer Paul Nicholls hasn't written him off yet.

Trainer Paul Nicholls says the future of Kauto Star won't be decided until after Friday's Gold Cup Credit: ITV West

Watch the full report from our Sports Correspondent Matthias Kurth: