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Kauto Star
Caroline Norris

Nicholls said on his Betfair blog, "Kauto took a tumble when Ruby schooled him at the end of last week. I say tumble, but in truth it was a pretty awful fall. Clive was obviously consulted at all times and we immediately got Kauto checked over. Even though he trotted sound, it was plain to see that he was sore afterwards."

"He has had the best veterinary and physiotherapy care possible but we hoped that he would be showing more improvement by now."

"I spoke to Clifford after returning to the stables after a Cheltenham media day yesterday, and he said Kauto still wasn't fully recovered, remained quite stiff, and in his wise words he felt he was "only 50-50" to make the Festival at this stage."

"So I immediately spoke to Clive and we felt that it prudent that we put out this update today."