Kauto Star just got the better of Imperial Commander in a pulsating duel for the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

The race was all about those two horses from the end of the back straight, and after jumping two out together, Ruby Walsh got the 4/6 favourite in front.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner tired after the last, allowing Imperial Commander to throw down a last challenge, but he was held by a nose.

Kauto stars again

Paul Nicholls was over the moon with Betfair Chase winner Kauto Star.

He said: "I have had more sleepless nights than ever this week as the horses have just taken a while - Ruby (Walsh) just said he needed it which is what I wanted to hear.

"Of the three races (he will run in this year), this is the least favoured - Kempton (King George) and Cheltenham (Gold Cup) are what he wants."

Relief for Kauto camp

Paul Nicholls was relieved after Kauto Star held on from Imperial Commander to land his third Betfair Chase.

He said: "Nigel's (Twiston-Davies) horses all run well first time out and I feared Imperial Commander coming here fresh. We can fine tune him now for the King George and then go to Cheltenham."

Owner Clive Smith added: "I don't know how he won, but Ruby (Walsh) did say he would come on a lot for the run."

Walsh hails super Star

Jockey Ruby Walsh was full of admiration for Kauto Star following his battling Betfair Chase success.

He said: "He always digs this horse - he's an incredible horse and he feels as good as last year.

"He got tired going to the last and has dug deep to hang on. My decision was to test Imperial Commander's stamina and it has just paid off. This is as good a horse as we have ever seen."

Twiston-Davies takes heart

Nigel Twiston Davies is looking forward to taking on Kauto Star again with Imperial Commander after just a nose seperated them in the Betfair Chase.

He said: "We have to think whether we go back to the King George as he obviously prefers going left-handed, but there aren't many options.

"If this had been three miles and two furlongs then he would have won easily - bring on the Gold Cup."

Pere flops

Irish raider Notre Pere was a big disappointment in the Betfair Chase and ultimately trailed home fifth behind narrow winner Kauto Star.

Jockey Andrew Lynch said of the Jim Dreaper inmate: "It is disappointing, he never really travelled and we weren't going that quick."

Lynch added: "I'd say he was feeling something and we will have to check him out when we get home."

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