Interview: Kauto Star's trainer Paul Nicholls

Kauto Star issued a statement of intent at Haydock

The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old dispelled any doubts of his ability to stay the three-mile distance.

Kauto Star is on course to earn a �1m bonus if he completes the treble by winning the King George and Gold Cup.

Meanwhile, Ireland's former dual Champion Hurdler Hardy Eustace coasted to victory in the Coral Ascot Hurdle.

Pre-race talk that Kauto Star would face a stern test in his debut over the distance from the likes of Beef Or Salmon and last year's Betfair Chase winner Kingscliff evaporated.

Ruby Walsh sensibly tucked Kauto Star in behind the pace, giving him every chance to make the trip.

Jumping impeccably, Kauto Star made his move three fences out and, having jumped the last flight in the lead, there was no looking back as he won by 17 lengths with Beef Or Salmon second and L'Ami third.

It looks as though we were trying to turn a potential Gold Cup horse into a Queen Mother contender earlier in his career now Paul Nicholls on Kauto Star

Nicholls said: "Ruby and I were never really in any real doubt about his stamina and he really did look awesome today.

"He jumped really, really well and I think just going that gear slower over the longer trips means he is able to jump that bit better."

Hardy Eustace eased to victory in the Ascot Hurdle to throw down a challenge for next year's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Dessie Hughes-trained nine-year-old gave Conor O'Dwyer a good outing as the favourite beat Mighty Man into second place, winning by 11 lengths easing up.

Henrietta Knight trained her seventh winner of the Peterborough Chase in nine years as Racing Demon justified his joint-favourite status.

Graham Lee steered the 13-8 joint favourite home ahead of Thisthatandtother, with joint favourite Monkerhostin third.

Lee had his work cut out to arrest Racing Demon's tendency to veer to the right especially after the last flight when the horse almost ran off the course.

But in a small field, Racing Demon's crisper and more accurate jumping saw him come home five lengths clear.

Betfair Chase (Haydock)
1. Kauto Star (R Walsh) 11-10 Fav
2. Beef Or Salmon (A J McNamara) 4-1
3. L'Ami (A P McCoy) 7-2
6 ran. Dist: 17, 1

Coral Ascot Hurdle
1. Hardy Eustace (C O'Dwyer) 11-8 Fav
2. Mighty Man (R Johnson) 15-8
3. Lough Derg (T Scudamore) 16-1
7 ran. Dist: 11, 10