Published Saturday, 15 January 2011
Kauto Star, being ridden by McCoy for the first time, was denied a record-breaking fifth victory in the race by Long Run.
It had been suggested since Boxing Day 2009 that Nicky Henderson's prodigy could be the most potent threat to Kauto Star when he made a staggering introduction to British racing on the very afternoon when the old master racked up four in a row in the King George.
At not much over half Kauto Star's age Long Run ushered in a new era under his Corinthian rider Sam Waley-Cohen, finishing 12 lengths clear of his stablemate Riverside Theatre with Tony McCoy and Kauto Star a further seven lengths back in third.
Waley-Cohen spoke of his delight at competing alongside the 15 time Champion jockey, McCoy:
"Kauto Star is a fantastic champion - full credit to him and I really hope he's back - and Tony McCoy is an idol for everyone in the weighing room. To be involved in a race like this is such a privilege.
"He's still only a baby and has just turned six. Kauto Star won this at six, but that was at the end of the year. I'm not sure if any six-year-olds have won it twice in a year - that would be great!"