Denman back to winning ways

London : Denman, Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in 2008 but dethroned in March by famed stable companion Kauto Star, returned to his best with a magnificent victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury yesterday.

The nine-year-old suffered a heart murmur last season when he lost his three races, but set all that aside in great style, repeating his Hennessy win of two years ago, again under top weight.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh for trainer Paul Nicholls, Denman took command turning into the straight and after another fine leap at the last fence easily held off stable mate What A Friend by three and a half lengths.

The winner was sent off at 11-4 favourite with What A Friend, part-owned by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, a 7-1 chance. Niche Market (33-1) finished third of the 19 runners.

Good company

Denman joined racing greats Arkle and Mandarin as the only horses to win the Hennessy twice.

Nicholls, fighting back tears, told Channel 4 Racing: "He's just something very special."

Part-owner Paul Barber said: "I've never seen anything like that to be honest. I knew he could give all that weight away, but didn't know if he would.

"I knew he was at his peak and Paul knew he was. Three weeks ago he told me he thought he was."

Denman's other victims included 13-2 chance Barbers Shop, owned by Britain's Queen Elizabeth. The horse finished fourth. Mon Mome, 100-1 Aintree Grand National winner in April, never got in a blow and finished well down the field.

Most bookmakers now rate Denman 2-1 joint favourite with twice winner Kauto Star for the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup.