Kauto Star has missed the chance to win the Gold Cup for the third time after pulling out of the race at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 12-year-old was forced to pull up after dropping back in the early stage of the highly anticipated contest and struggled to keep up the pace.
The two-time Gold Cup winner's jockey Ruby Walsh decided to leave the course with the horse, who was a doubt for the Festival after taking a fall a few weeks ago.
Kauto Star was eventually passed fit for the competition, despite falling during schooling earlier this month.
Following the five-time King George VI Chase winner's departure, the bookies' favourite Long Run finished in third place with Giant Bolster in second and Synchronised clinching the cup.
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Danielle Joynson
