Kauto Star (right) won the Betfair Chase by a nose from Imperial Commander at Haydock

Connections for both Kauto Star and Imperial Commander are happy with the condition of their chasers after their epic battle in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last Saturday. Kauto Star won by a nose from Imperial Commander after the lead was traded back and forth between them.

The King George VI Chase could now see a rematch between these two impressive horses. While Kauto Star is almost certain to run in the Grade 1 race on Boxing Day, Imperial Commander’s impressive run at Haydock has meant that he is now a possibility for the King George VI Chase as well.

Kauto Star’s trainer, Paul Nicholls, said that the defending King George Chase winner is “absolutely fine, sharp and well.”

“He had a hard race two years ago against Exotic Dancer and a hard race when he fell 12 months ago too, and both times he came back to win the King George. It looks like he ran about 12lb below his Gold Cup form last year and Haydock is an away day for him, it doesn’t really play to his strengths.

“His next two races at Kempton and Cheltenham are on his home ground, especially Cheltenham. To be honest, I think it was as good a comeback race as he’s ever had” Nicholls said.

Assistant to Imperial Commander’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, Carl Llewellyn, said that “Imperial Commander has come out of the race fine. He had a hard race, both of them did, but that’s what’s going to happen if you take on a Gold Cup winner.

“Before [Haydock], he wouldn’t have been going to the King George, but it’s got to be a possibility now. There’s a school of thought that he’s not so good going right-handed, so there will need to be a lot of discussion with the owners” Llewellyn added.

It would definitely be great to see these two in form jump horses battle it out again at this year’s King George VI Chase.

Kauto Star wins the Betfair Chase by a nose from Imperial Commander

Kauto Star held off a late rally from Imperial Commander to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock, his 12th Grade 1 win.

But Imperial Commander did not make it easy for the Star, rallying late to be neck and neck going to the post. After a tense wait for the judges to look at the photo finish it was determined that Kauto Star had held on by a nose.

Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star’s trainer, said “This week has been one of the most nerve-wracking I’ve had as I was slightly nervous of the ground and some of the horses have been slow to come to hand.

“The ground wasn’t the issue as much as him getting a bit tired in it. He hadn’t run since March, so jumping 18 fences in a race will bring him on. That run will sharpen him enormously and put him right for Boxing Day.”

“We can just fine tune him now for the King George and then go to Cheltenham so I am absolutely delighted.

“To see him stick his head down and fight at his age is absolutely fantastic.”

Betfair Chase Results:

• 1. Kauto Star
• 2. Imperial Commander
• 3. Madison Du Berlais
• 4. Halcon Genelardais
• 5. Notre Pere
• 6. Rambling Minster
• 7. Seymour Weld

While Kauto Star is still favourite for the King George VI Chase at William Hill with 10/11, Imperial Commander’s impressive second place has seen his odds shortened to 5/1.