BRITAIN’S champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a replica of the Haydock Park statue celebrating Kauto Star’s achievements in his back garden at Nicholls’ Somerset home.

When Kauto Star died this year, the half-size study of the animal, created by sculptor Will Newton, became a shrine to the greatest steeplechaser of modern times and a horse that brought so much joy to racing fans.

“I give him (the statue) a pat at home in Ditcheat every morning, and it always brings a lump to my throat when I see the one at Haydock Park because it is so striking,” said Nicholls, the winner of nine trainers’ titles.

“I’ve been very lucky to have trained some incredible horses, but Kauto Star was extra special – probably the most important horse in my life.”

The two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner became a Haydock Park legend, winning the Betfair Chase on four occasions in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011.

But Nicholls says it was Kauto Star’s final victory at the North West track that rewarded him with his proudest moment in the training ranks.

Nicholls said: “2011 at Haydock Park is the one that stands out for me.

“He’d lost his form and there were questions in the media about whether he should be retired.

“My neck was on the chopping block but we changed our approach and got Kauto Star fitter and better.

“It was probably the best he had ever been.

“I’ll never forget those scenes at Haydock Park, the roar when he jumped the last fence and then the thousands of people, many wearing the yellow, green and blue Kauto scarves, cheering him in the winners’ enclosure.

“I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy some wonderful moments at places like Cheltenham and Kempton, where he won a record five King George VI Chases, but that day at Haydock Park really was extra special.”

Nicholls added: “Kauto Star had everything you wanted in a champion.

“Resilience, power, the will to win, and, of course, he would run himself into the ground for you.”

Haydock Park’s general manager Jason Fildes said: “This weekend’s Betfair Chase Festival is the highlight of the jump racing season at Haydock Park, and the success of the race will always be associated with Kauto Star’s wonderful achievements.”

Once again, Nicholls can boast the favourite in Saturday’s 2015 renewal of the three-mile Betfair Chase with Silviniaco Conti, who has won the race twice in the last three years.

“Silviniaco is spot on for Haydock after his prep race at Kempton, and he looks as strong as ever,” said Nicholls.

“The Betfair Chase and the King George are his number-one aims in the first half of the season.”

Haydock Park, Betfair Chase Weekend, November 20 and 21. Tickets 0844 579 3006 or haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk