Nicholls remembers ‘magic’ Denman

Trainer Paul Nicholls has reflected on his “magic horse” Denman after confirming that he died on Tuesday at the age of 18.

The Ditcheat handler revealed that a decision was made to put to sleep the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner after his condition deteriorated in the past few days.

He said: “The decision was taken by his devoted owner Paul Barber with the full support of myself, our head lad Clifford Baker and our vet Buffy Shirley-Beavan.

“We all agreed it was the right thing to do because he had begun to go downhill in the past few days and we did not want to see him suffer.”

Nicholls also took time to remember Denman’s career in which he won 14 races from 24 starts, including a seven-length win ahead of stablemate Kauto Star to win the Gold Cup a decade ago.

He added on the Betfair website: “Denman was known affectionately to punters and racegoers as ‘The Tank’, which I always felt was a fitting description.

“He was a magic horse who had a tremendous following because of the wholehearted way he went about his racing.

“He was tough, hardy and willing, wasn’t the easiest to train, and would bite your hand off in his box given half a chance.

“He came along at the right time and was one of our superstars during a golden era for Team Ditcheat.”