Kauto Star created history by becoming the first horse to win the William Hill King George VI Chase for the fourth year in succession.

Paul Nicholls' superstar came home in splendid isolation and Ruby Walsh never suffered an anxious moment throughout the whole three miles, officially winning by a distance from Madison Du Berlais.

Sent off the 8-13 favourite, Kauto Star bettered Desert Orchid's record in the race, with the famous old grey having won the Boxing Day spectacular four times but not consecutively.

Walsh said: "For any horse to come back for the same race four years on the trot is some ask, but to win it is incredible. Paul and Clifford (Baker, head lad) have done a smashing job at home with him and to do it four years on the bounce is amazing, it is an absolute privilege (to ride him).

"I'd say that was the best King George I've ridden in as regards pace, they went a really good gallop and I couldn't believe the way he jumped the fourth-last. I was still on the bridle when I got to Nacarat, and Barbers Shop was the only other horse still in view.

"It reminded me of the King George that Kicking King won the gallop they went. Paul was right - he said he'd never had him better and that performance shows it. He's an amazing horse."

Nicholls added: "He is amazing. I'd said it before, but I think that was the best he's ever been. He was awesome today. I knew he was at his best, you can't believe how much he has improved - his whole well-being and everything. I've said it all before and I wasn't saying it for no reason, he's never looked better than today.

"He's got it all now, he's got pace, he jumps, he stays and he is just a wonderful, wonderful horse teamed up with a brilliant jockey as well, they suit each other. Hopefully he is good for racing, that's what we want.

"Never mind going backwards, he seems to be going forwards and that probably is his best performance. Everything about him now is the utter professional. He is relaxed, grown up, jumps and will be a hard horse to beat next year. He is just as likely to be back next year if he stays sound."

Kauto Star will now head straight for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and the sponsors trimmed him into 5-4 favouritism. Nicholls went on: "Denman put his name in the hat the other day with an awesome performance (in the Hennessy) and Kauto has gone and done the same.It is going to make things interesting come March."