The trainer of Kauto Star says a decision on whether to retire the veteran steeplechaser will not be made until July.
Kauto Star was pulled up midway through the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, leading many to predict the 12-year-old steeplechase horse had run his last race.
But trainer Paul Nicholls said Monday that ''any talk of retirement is very premature. . . . This season told everyone not to be so hasty in writing him off.''
Kauto Star appeared to be back at his best this season, winning the King George VI Chase for an unprecedented fifth time but struggled during the Gold Cup after a recent fall in training.
Nicholls says he and owner Clive Smith haven't discussed Kauto Star's future.
''And I dare say we won't in any great detail until Kauto comes back in July," Nicholls said.
