Kauto Star's owner has hinted that the champion horse could be retired in the near future.

Despite trainer Paul Nicholls branding retirement talk "premature", Clive Smith admits that it is now a possibility.

Ruby Walsh pulled the 12-year-old up during last week's Cheltenham Gold Cup and Smith has revealed that a decision regarding the horse's future is close.

Smith said: "Kauto injured himself when he stretched going over the water jump in the Gold Cup.

"Who's to say he wouldn't do it again? The fact is that retirement is on the agenda. Paul and I are looking at the situation and will probably decide finally in the next two weeks."

Kauto Star has won the Gold Cup twice in an illustrious career.