Denman (horse) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Denman |
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Denman on 15 March 2006
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| Sire | Presenting |
| Grandsire | Mtoto |
| Dam | Polly Puttens |
| Damsire | Pollerton |
| Sex | Gelding |
| Foaled | 17 April 2000 |
| Died | 5 June 2018 |
| Country | Ireland |
| Colour | Chestnut |
| Breeder | Colman O'Flynn |
| Owner | Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay |
| Trainer | Paul Nicholls |
| Record | 24:14–5–1 |
| Earnings | £1,141,347 |
| Major wins | |
| Challow Novices' Hurdle (2006) Berkshire Novices' Chase (2006) Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007) Hennessy Gold Cup (2007, 2009) Lexus Chase (2007) Aon Chase (2008) Cheltenham Gold Cup (2008) |
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| Awards | |
| Timeform rating: 183 | |
| Honours | |
| Denman Chase at Newbury Racecourse | |
| Last updated on 29 January 2011 | |
Denman (born April 17, 2000 – died June 5, 2018) was a famous Irish jump racehorse. His dad was a horse named Presenting. Denman was known as The Tank because he was so strong. He was famous for his exciting races against another great horse, Kauto Star. Denman won the important Cheltenham Gold Cup race in 2008.
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About Denman
Denman was a large, dark brown horse. He was born in County Cork, Ireland. The same person who bred Denman also bred his brother, Silverburn. When Denman was four years old, he was going to be sold. But a vet suggested he have a small operation. This operation would help him breathe better during races.
Denman's Racing Story
Starting Out (2004–2005)
Denman first trained with Adrian Maguire. His very first race was a point-to-point race. He won easily by 12 lengths! A scout for trainer Paul Nicholls was very impressed. Soon after, Denman was sold to Paul Barber and Harry Findlay. He then moved to Paul Nicholls' stables in England.
Learning to Jump (2005–2006)
Denman started his official racing career with Paul Nicholls. He won two hurdle races at Wincanton. Then he won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle by a huge 21 lengths. This was a big win for a young horse.
Later, Denman raced at the famous Cheltenham Festival. He was a favourite to win the Royal and Sun Alliance Novice Hurdle. But he lost to a horse named Nicanor. His jockey, Ruby Walsh, said he should have ridden Denman differently. He felt he didn't know the horse well enough yet.
Becoming a Chaser (2006–2007)
After his hurdle races, Denman started training for chasing. This means jumping bigger fences. He won his first four chase races easily. He beat other good horses by many lengths.
For the second year, Denman was a favourite at the Cheltenham Festival. He won the Royal and Sun Alliance Novices Chase by 10 lengths. After this win, people immediately saw him as a top contender. They thought he could win the 2008 Gold Cup. He was seen as the main rival to his stablemate, Kauto Star.
The Gold Cup Year (2007–2008)
Denman's first big target was the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. This race is known for being very tough. Denman had to carry a lot of weight, more than most other horses. His jockey, Sam Thomas, rode him perfectly. Denman won by 12 lengths! This made him an even bigger favourite for the Gold Cup.
He then won two more races easily. These were the Lexus Chase and the Aon Chase. Everyone was now excited for the big race. This was the showdown between Denman and Kauto Star.
Paul Nicholls trained both horses. His main jockey, Ruby Walsh, chose to ride Kauto Star. So, Sam Thomas rode Denman again. People all over England and Ireland were talking about which horse would win.
Twelve horses lined up for the Gold Cup. Kauto Star was the favourite. Denman was known as "The Tank" because of his powerful style. Denman took the lead early in the race. He kept pushing forward, jumping fences strongly. Kauto Star tried to catch him, but Denman was too powerful. Denman won the Gold Cup by 7 lengths! It was a huge victory. He did not race again that season.
Heart Troubles and Comebacks (2008–2009)
In September 2008, Denman had a health scare. He needed treatment for an irregular heartbeat. Luckily, the treatment worked, and he returned to training.
He raced again in February 2009. He finished second, which made some people wonder if he was still as good. But he still went to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He finished second to Kauto Star. His team was happy with this result, considering his health issues. Later that season, he fell in a race at Aintree.
More Big Wins (2009–2010)
In November 2009, Denman returned to the Hennessy Gold Cup. He carried the most weight again. But he won the race for the second time! This was a fantastic achievement.
His next race was not so good. He unseated his jockey, Tony McCoy. This made people worry about his chances in the Gold Cup. In the 2010 Gold Cup, neither Denman nor Kauto Star won. Denman finished third.
Final Races (2010–2011)
In November 2010, Denman tried to win the Hennessy Gold Cup for a third time. Only two other horses had ever done this. He carried the most weight again. He ran a brave race but finished third.
Before the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Denman had another small operation. This was to help his breathing again. In the Gold Cup, he ran another strong race. He took the lead with Kauto Star near the end. But a younger horse, Long Run, passed them both. Denman finished second.
His last race was in April 2011 at Aintree. He finished fifth.
Retirement
Denman officially retired from racing on December 9, 2011. He had a minor injury during training. His trainer, Paul Nicholls, said that because of Denman's age, retirement was the best choice. Sam Thomas, his jockey, called Denman "the best I am ever likely to ride." He said that on his best days, no horse could beat him.
Newbury Racecourse, where Denman won many times, named a race after him. It is now called the Betfair Denman Chase.
Denman passed away on June 5, 2018, at Paul Nicholls' stables. Paul Nicholls said Denman was "tough, hardy and willing." He called him one of their "superstars" during a great time for their racing team.
