England: Legendary Chaser Kauto Star Euthanized After Paddock Accident
Legendary steeplechaser Kauto Star, five-time winner of the G1 King George VI Chase, was euthanized Monday afternoon after suffering neck and pelvis injuries in a paddock fall.
At the Races reports that the accident happened June 24; the 15-year-old gelding had been receiving treatment at the Valley Equine Hospital in Upper Lambourn.
Kauto Star was retired from racing in 2012, and had made a successful transition to dressage with trainer Laura Collett. In a statement released Monday Collett said, "It's an honour and a privilege to have been involved with him and had him in the yard."
"It's just horrendous. He was out in the field, the same field he was out in every day, we don't really know what happened, but he injured his neck and pelvis and sadly had to be put to sleep."
Clive Smith, owner of Kauto Star, released the following statement:
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"I am devastated. He had been turned out in Laura's paddock, as has been the case normally with him at this time for years, and he looks to have jumped something, and perhaps stumbled, we're not really sure, but he injured himself - and it became obvious it was serious.
"The vets at Valley Equine Hospital did all they could but it became increasingly apparent the injuries were too serious and that it was in the horse's interests to be put down.
"The onset of secondary problems, pneumonia and laminitis, as a result of the horse being unable to put his head down and the increase of toxins in his body after standing stationary for so long, highlight the challenges faced when treating serious injuries in horses.
"I have to say Hattie Lawrence and the vets at Valley Equine Hospital did all they could and more. Kauto was kept comfortable throughout and not in pain when the decision to put him down was taken."
Kauto Star won 23 of 41 career starts, which included 16 Group 1 wins. In addition to winning the King George VI five times, he also captured the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup twice.
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