Kauto Star Primed for Career in Dressage

After capturing two Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cups, steeplechase star Kauto Star could soon be targeting Olympic gold medals after being sent by his owner for a month's training in dressage.

The 12-year-old Kauto Star, who was retired from racing in October, will be assessed by Laura Collett, a European bronze medalist in eventing, and Britain coach Yogi Breisner in the coming weeks regarding his suitability in dressage.

"I wanted him to have an interest—he's just too good to be a hack or to be out in a field,'' said owner Clive Smith.

Neptune Collonges, the 2012 Grand National Steeplechase winner, and 1991 Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Garrison Savannah turned to dressage after successful careers in horse racing.

French-bred Kauto Star, a son of Village Star—Kauto Relka, by Port Etienne is one of England's most-loved and greatest racehorses, having also won the King George VI Chase a record five times and the Betfair Chase on four occasions.

"I feel very privileged and extremely honored to have been asked to ride Kauto Star,'' Collett, an Olympic hopeful, said in a Twitter post. "I will be working closely with Yogi to give Kauto Star the best chance of a second career in dressage.''

Paul Nicholls, who trained Kauto Star for the past nine years, formerly boarded the bay gelding at his stable in Somerset, southwest England.

"Good luck, old boy. You were the best—and deserve the best,'' Nicholls wrote.