KAUTO Star failed to beat Desert Orchid's record of four King George VI wins in Saturday's belated running of the race at Kempton.
Long Run was an impressive winner with Riverside Theatre second. Both are trained by Nicky Henderson, with the latter owned by that wonderful actor Jimmy Nesbitt.
So many of the 15,000 strong crowd were wearing Kauto's famous green and yellow colours, but the horse could only finish third. His trainer Paul Nicholls says the horse is in fine form after his record-breaking attempt and will now have a short break before being prepared for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Binocular looked very impressive in winning the Christmas Hurdle on the same Kempton card.
On that form a second Champion Hurdle looks likely, but do not rule out Donald McCain's Peddler's Cross.
With the flat turf season only two months away, Aidan O'Brien still has to announce a replacement to Johnny Murtagh for his job as number one stable jockey. Most of the top flat jockeys and trainers from all over Europe are currently plying their trade in the sunnier climes of Dubai, where the Meydan Carnival has already started. It will carry on for the next two months.
Racing usually takes place three days per week. With fantastic prize money at stake and wonderful weather who can blame the top jocks for going out there.
This Saturday there are two big meetings at Ascot and Haydock.
The feature races are the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot and the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock. On the Haydock card, Peddler's Cross is due to run and hopefully state his claims for this year's Champion Hurdle.
He previously beat Binocular and Donald McCain reports the horse to be in very good form.
I fancy the Paul Nicholls trained Breedsbreeze to go in at Ascot on Saturday, while Sa Suffit, trained by James Ewart up in the Scottish Borders, looks an each way shot in the Peter Marsh Chase.
The horse was very impressive last year and although this will be his first run of the season, he could be value.