Kauto Star will make his first appearance at the Punchestown Festival when he travels to Ireland in May.
The 11-year-old ran a terrific race in defeat in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, finishing third to Long Run and stablemate Denman.
Paul Nicholls’ dual Gold Cup winner led a parade of Cheltenham stars at Wincanton with the champion trainer revealing the Guinness Gold Cup on May 4 will be his target.
“He had a hard race and ran an absolute blinder really, it certainly put all those who said he should retired right, and he’s fresh and well,” Nicholls told Racing UK.
“He ran a blinding race and the idea now is he goes to Punchestown. He’s not going to Aintree so it should be ideal for him.”
Denman joined Kauto Star in the parade, as did triple Ladbrokes World Hurdle hero Big Buck’s.
“Denman ran a mighty race, it’s the third time he’s been second in the Gold Cup and he probably ran the best race he has for some time,” Nicholls said.
“The plan is to go to Aintree with him now. He’s only had two runs this season, we’re very happy with him and we’d just like to see some rain before Aintree.
“Big Buck’s also goes to Aintree.”
PA AAP TURF
