Denman back in work and ‘in terrific form’
Popular ex-racehorse Denman is in “terrific form” and is back being ridden by Charlotte Alexander.
It was revealed in October that the National Hunt hero had “been at death’s door” following a life-threatening blood and bone infection.
He spent 5 months in Newmarket Equine Hospital before returning to Charlotte’s yard in Gloucestershire.
But now Charlotte, who used to write Denman’s Diary for the H&H website, said he’s back on track.
“Following the go ahead from Ian Wright [of Newmarket Equine Hospital] to start ridden work, he felt his old self and was very much on his toes,” she told H&H.
“I hope he will be fit enough to hunt in March before the season finishes — if we don’t have too many freeze ups.”
Denman, who won the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup was retired in 2011 due to a tendon injury. He was enjoying his first season hunting last year, before he became ill.
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“This is a true miracle,” added Charlotte.
“Denman is blessed to have the combination of his wonderful owner, Paul Barber, who never gave up on him and the genius of Ian Wright, whose skill saved his life.
“Let us hope he continues to progress and can resume a full and active career competing and hunting in the future.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.