Gold Cup winner Denman gets the all clear after heart scare

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman is set to be back to defend his crown in 2009 following successful treatment for an irregular heartbeat.

Denman underwent treatment by Rossdales vet Ceila Marr in Newmarket on Tuesday (23 September) and will return home to Manor Farm Stables in Somerset tomorrow (Friday 26 September).

Trainer Paul Nicholls told the Racing Post: “He’s fine, thank goodness and we’re all absolutely delighted.”

The drug quinidine was used to get Denman’s heart back in rhythm meaning he did not have to undergo an operation. It was also determined that there was no underlying heart disease.

Paul confirmed that it would be unlikely that Denman would run in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December, which he won last year, but that he should be back in action at the start of 2009.

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