Horse Racing: Commander respect from Star owner

Kauto STAR'S owner Clive Smith expressed regret that Imperial Commander has been ruled out of the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

However, he still hopes the pair can renew rivalry in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, a race Kauto Star won in 2007 and 2009, with Imperial Commander successful in the spring.

Imperial Commander's enforced absence at Kempton makes Kauto Star's prospects of landing an unprecedented fifth success in the Christmas cracker a little easier, although Smith is not counting his chickens.

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He said: "I would like to have had Imperial Commander in the field. Obviously it would have been a better test.

"It's not going to be easy. There are still some good horses in it, but Imperial Commander is a good horse and it is a shame he's not running.

"He should be back for the Gold Cup and we're definitely going there, too.

"We are very pleased with him. There's no sign of ageing, he's as fresh as a daisy and is a remarkable horse.

"He just loves what he's doing, he's very enthusiastic. He's as bright as a button and he's in very good shape."

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