Beaten King George VI Chase favourite Kauto Star has a “low-grade infection” and is being treated with antibiotics, his trainer Paul Nicholls says.
He said on Twitter that blood tests after Saturday’s surprise defeat had shown “signs of inflammation”.
Kauto Star was third under champion jockey Tony McCoy as Long Run thwarted the 11-year-old’s bid for a fifth straight win in the big Kempton race.
“Antibiotics and easy few days,” said Nicholls of Kauto Star’s treatment.
Speculation has been fierce over Kauto Star’s defeat with some observers suggesting age has caught up with the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, while others believe he merely had an off-day.
He is rated a general 10-1 fourth favourite behind 2010 winner Imperial Commander, Long Run and stablemate Denman – the 2008 champion – to regain his crown at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Nicholls revealed on Sunday that the horse suffered a minor bleed from both nostrils after the race, which owner Clive Smith has indicated was probably the result of an internal injury.
The Somerset-based champion trainer said he would issue an update on the four-time King George winner’s health on Friday.
Smith told BBC Sport on Monday that the horse might be better suited by usual partner Ruby Walsh when he returns from injury.
