Having grabbed the crown in 2007, he lost it to Denman 12 months later but achieved what no other horse has ever managed to do in regaining it - and he did it in stunning fashion.
Ruby Walsh always looked confident on the Paul Nicholls-trained 7-4 favourite and was probably in front sooner than he wanted, but jumped the final two fences brilliantly to reverse the order of last year.
Everyone had hoped for a big clash between Denman and Kauto Star in last year’s renewal but it never really materialised. However, when they turned into the straight alongside each other this time it was the tussle of dreams.
Unfortunately for Denman he has had his problems this season, but after only one run beforehand he performed way above expectations before eventually finding the winner 13 lengths too strong.
Exotic Dancer and Tony McCoy were another two and a half lengths back in third, with Nicholls’ Neptune Collonges running another blinder in fourth.
Walsh said: “He’s the greatest horse I’ve ever ridden. Two miles, three miles, now two Gold Cups. He’s magic, he’s a wonder horse.
“He travelled super all the way. I planned to follow Christian (Williams on Neptune Collonges) over the second last, but he pinged four out, pinged three out and two out as well. I love him anyway.”
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