Lucky Laura Collett has a new ride and an early Christmas present — in the form of legendary chaser, Kauto Star.
The event rider has been asked to re-school Kauto for a second career in dressage, by his owner Clive Smith.
Kauto, who is 12, was retired from racing in October.
He won 16 Grade Ones — including two Cheltenham Gold Cups (2007 and 2009). He is the only horse to have regained the Gold Cup after having lost the race.
This morning (11 December), Laura tweeted:“I feel very privileged and extremely honoured to have been asked to ride Kauto Star… #excited!”
Laura added that she would be “working closely with Yogi [Breisner] to give Kauto Star the best chance of a second career in dressage”.
Owner Clive Smith was put in touch with Yogi — Team GBR eventing chef d’equipe — by the Retraining of Racehorses charity.
“I’ve seen Garrison Savannah, Mr Frisk and Neptune Collonges all have a go at dressage after retiring, and I wanted him to have an interest,” said Clive.
“He is just too good to be a hack or in a field.”
Kauto’s old stablemate at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard, Neptune Collonges, made a winning return to competition last month.
The 2012 Grand National winner won an Intro dressage test with owner John Hales’ daughter, Lisa — with a whopping 79.57%.
