The continuing rivalry between Kauto Star and Denman, stablemates at home but deadly enemies on the course, has electrified the nation. Kauto Star and Denman, both superstars, have between them changed the landscape of jump racing forever. Stablemates side-by-side at the Somerset yard of their trainer Paul Nicholls, they are exactly the same age but hugely different personalities. Kauto Star, a handsome bay was born in France where he was dubbed 'L'Extraterrestre', has won the King George VI chase at Kempton Park on four consecutive occassions, matching Desert Orchid's record, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice. Some say he is the leading steeplechaser of all time. Denman, an indomitable Irish Chestnut, ruthlessly effecient and blessed with great stamina, is known as 'The Tank'. In 2008 he knocked Kauto Star into second place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a result reversed the next year. As well as Cheltenham, he has won the Hennessy Gold Cup twice. Not since the days of Arkle has any horse attracted such attention from outside racing.
The continuing rivalry between Kauto Star and Denman has captured the imagination of millions and has been compared to the classic sporting contests of Borg against McEnroe, Ali against Foreman and Coe against Ovett. This is the story of their life and times and the drama of their many victories - and occassional spectacular failures.