Former National Hunt hero Denman will be parading for his fans at Newbury racecourse tomorrow (Saturday 7 February).
Denman will return to his favourite track to parade ahead of the race named in his honour — the Denman Chase.
As well as winning this in 2008, the gelding also won the Berkshire track’s showpiece race — the Hennessy Gold Cup — twice (2007 and 2009).
Denman now lives in Gloucestershire with Charlotte Alexander.
“Denman does very few parades as he is busy hunting,” Charlotte told H&H.
“He loves parading before his race at Newbury though. He particularly likes hearing all the clapping when walking round the ring and the cheering when galloping back past the stands having led the runners out onto the track.
“Denman knows he is a star and deserves all the praise lavished upon him — is an exceptionally brave horse”.
The winner of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup has made a remarkable recovery after suffering an illness in 2013. Denman spent five months in equine hospital after contracting a potentially fatal blood and bone infection. But now he’s back to his old self.
This season the 15-year-old has really got to grips with his new sport and is proving a popular sight on the hunting field.
“He has taken ages to build up strength and muscle and he is now progressing in leaps and bounds. He is such a happy horse and it is incredible that he is able to leap across the country as he does. He is like a spitfire, quick, exciting and beautiful,” added Charlotte.
Also due back on the track on Betfair Super Saturday is Champion Chase-winner Sire De Grugy, who hasn’t run since winning the bet365 Celebration Chase in April.
The Gary Moore-trained gelding was due to run earlier this season but suffered a hip injury. However the trainer said the horse is now “fit and well” is due to run in the Grade Two Betfair Price Rush Steeple Chase on Saturday.
The Denman Chase is run at 2.25pm and the Betfair Price Rush Steeple Chase is at 3pm. Both will be shown on Channel 4.
For more information visit: www.newburyracecourse.co.uk
