Denman worth his weight in Hennessy Gold again

Published on Saturday 28 November 2009 19:57

NEWBURY was treated to a welcome case of deja vu as Denman powered his way to victory under top weight to become the first since the mighty Arkle in the 1960s to land a second Hennessy Gold Cup.

Two years on from his first rout under 11st 12lb and the nine-year-old was back to give weight and a beating to a field packed full of quality and promise.

Ruby Walsh's mount did not let his supporters down with the heavily-backed 11-4 favourite leading down the home run to pull three and a half lengths clear of stablemate What A Friend.

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner – who was racing off a 13lb higher mark than two years ago – came back from a heart problem to chase home Kauto Star in last season's blue riband and set up a mouthwatering clash with his neighbour at Paul Nicholls' yard following this mind-blowing return to form.

Ladbrokes quotes the pair as the joint 2-1 favourites for the Gold Cup next March while sponsor totesport marginally sides with Kauto Star, offering 7-4 about the champion and Denman at 9-4.

William Hill is just 2-1 that Kauto Star and Denman finish first and second at Cheltenham in the spring.

Nicholls said: "I never thought he would come back like that and to see a run like that from Denman is very, very special. It one of those great moments we will never forget.

"I feel mighty proud of the horse. I knew we had him somewhere near his best in himself, but to go and do that and beat the horses who kept challenging him is awesome. That is probably as good a run as he has ever had."

Meanwhile, Ayr Racecourse stages its first meeting of the 2009-2010 jumps season on Wednesday. The 'Festive Cheer' raceday features seven races, the first due off at 12.20pm, with the highlight set to be the 'Up to 125 Free Bet At Victorchandler.com' Handicap Chase worth 12,000 at 1.25pm.