Clive Smith may be on the other side of the world but he is already thinking about the exciting times ahead at the Cheltenham Festival when he returns to England.
The proud owner of Kauto Star and Master Minded is in New Zealand and halfway through a month away from the wintry shores of Britain. But when he gets home in two weeks’ time one of his first ports of call will be to see his two jumping aces at the stables of Paul Nicholls.
Last March, Kauto Star became the first horse to regain the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, while Master Minded won the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase for the second successive year. Both horses are being primed for those races again by the champion trainer as they seek even greater glories. Master Minded bids to become only the second horse after Badsworth Boy (1983-5) to complete a hat-trick of victories in the two-mile championship three times. And Smith has another string to his bow in that race in the shape of Free World. Kauto Star will attempt to join the chasing giants, such as Arkle and Best Mate, to have won three Gold Cups.
“I will be going to Paul Nicholls’ yard as soon as I get back and I’m looking forward to it,” said Smith.
He left the country just two days after Kauto Star’s brilliant and historic fourth victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton over Christmas.
“That was fantastic, it was a wonderful win,” he remarked.
Master Minded has not raced since suffering a surprise defeat on his reappearance at Cheltenham in November. He was found to be suffering from a broken rib, but Smith gave an upbeat report on the specialist two-mile chaser.
“He’s fine actually and progressing well,” he continued. There’s loads to look forward to, it’s incredible. It’s been great fun and there are great times ahead.”
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