KAUTO STAR, winner of two Cheltenham Gold Cups and a record five King George VI Chases, has been put down following a fall that left him with a complex fracture to his left pelvis.

One of the most successful steeplechasers of all time, the 15-year old won 23 of his 41 races and amassed over €3 million in prize money for owner Clive D. Smith.

Along with the Gold Cups and King George VI Chases, the French-bred gelding was also victorious in the Tingle Creek Chase twice and the Betfair Chase in Haydock on four occasions before his retirement was announced in 2012.

Speaking to the Racing Post this morning, Smith said:

“I am devastated. He had been turned out in Laura’s paddock, as has been done normally with him at this time for years, and he looks to have jumped something, and stumbled, we’re not really sure, but he injured himself – and it became obvious it was serious.”

While confirming Kauto Star did not suffer before being put down, it does appear he sustained a complex fracture to the left side of his pelvis following the fall which forced the the yard to take the decision to have him put down.

Many have already played tribute to Kauto Star this morning:

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