Denman Exeter's VIP guest

Published on Monday 9 November 2009 21:28

OFFICIALS at Exeter are excited at the prospect of Denman gracing the course at the opening of the track's £2.2million extension before racing today.

The new building has been named after the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, who made a winning debut over fences at the West Country course three years ago.

Denman, trained at Ditcheat by Paul Nicholls, will be put through his paces during a workout on the track, with his owners Harry Findlay and Paul Barber in attendance. After the exercise spin, the Denman Building will be officially opened.

Exeter managing director Steven Clarke added: "We couldn't think of a more fitting equine hero after whom to name our new building. We are thrilled that he will be coming along to do the honours and it will be a fantastic opportunity for people to see him galloping on the track."

Meanwhile, Nicky Richards is considering a crack at the Lexus Chase for Money Trix after he made an impressive return in the Weatherbys Bank Graduation Chase at Carlisle yesterday.

A number of injury problems have meant this was just the tenth career outing for the nine-year-old, but Richards has never made any secret of the regard in which he holds the dashing grey. Off the track since scoring at Kelso in February, the 100-30 chance was ridden with confidence throughout by Brian Harding and after challenging for the lead at the second-last, he ground out a six-length victory over Companero.

Richards is now eyeing some of Ireland's top staying prizes for his charge, with the predominantly testing conditions in the Emerald Isle likely to suit him down to the ground. "He wants the ground bottomless and real sloppy and wet," said the Greystoke handler. "Maybe it's a step too far, but until you have a go, you don't really know and races like the Lexus don't have masses of runners in them, so it might be an option to try it."

Alan Mactaggart's Royal Mackintosh once again showed his liking for Carlisle when gaining his fourth course victory in the Cubby Construction Novices' Hurdle, beating Whats Up Woody by half a length.

Do It For Dalkey justified solid morning support when returning from a 550-day absence to land the handicap hurdle for Lucinda Russell. The seven-year-old was sent off at 12-1 under Peter Buchanan and passed the post three and three-quarter lengths ahead of Of Course.