CHELTENHAM Gold Cup winner Denman has been retired after suffering a setback in his preparation for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old was due to make his seasonal reappearance in the December 28th feature but a tendon problem has scuppered those plans and ended his career.
“It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman,” Nicholls said. “A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat.”
Nicholls continued: “Denman was great on Wednesday morning as he worked towards his intended start in the Lexus later this month, but he pulled up a little bit sore yesterday morning and Clifford wasn’t happy with him. After the scan revealed the extent of the damage Nicholls said: “We immediately informed his owner Paul Barber who, after consulting those close to him, took the decision to retire him. It was the only course of action to take.”
Meanwhile, course specialist Garde Champetre landed a dramatic Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham after a number of the runners took the wrong course. Enda Bolger’s popular gelding was recording his sixth win round the complex circuit – but looked well beaten until the incident occurred rounding the turn for home.
Wedger Pardy had given Jacqueline Coward a great spin from the front, but she did not turn left-handed at the correct time and a number of her rivals either followed or were unable to take the turn, with Richard Johnson crashing through the rail on Balthazar King.
Just three horses went the right way, and it was 6 to 1 shot Garde Champetre who safely negotiated the final obstacle to score by three lengths under JT McNamara.
Stablemate Chamirey, ridden by Nina Carberry, filled the runner-up spot, with Hennessy coming home third for Ferdy Murphy and Katie Walsh.
McNamara said: “They took the wrong track but my horse knows the way better than me! I’d have been fifth or sixth.”
Coward said: “I don’t really know what happened. I was leading round the home bend, and was looking for the second-last hurdle, but it wasn’t there. I just don’t know what was going on – it all happened very quickly.”
Johnson attempted to take corrective measures aboard Balthazar King, but brought down A New Story. He said: “I was trying to turn round to get into the home straight, but the horses in front were going on to the Old Course and my fellow just followed them, and ended up crashing into the rails.”
