Denman the toast of Newbury

Former Gold Cup winner Denman defied top-weight to score a remarkable second-time Hennessy Gold Cup triumph at Newbury.

The Paul Nicholls' trained gelding, who also won this race in 2007, was piloted to an outstanding victory by Ruby Walsh, out-battling stablemate What A Friend to justify his 11/4 favourite status.

Despite carrying 11st 12lb, Denman surged ahead on the run-in to cross the line three and a half lengths from What A Friend, with Niche Market three and three-quarter lengths away in third and Barbers Shop in fourth.

"I've never seen anything like that to be honest," said joint-owner Paul Barber.

"I knew he could give all that weight away, but didn't know if he would. I knew he was at his peak and Paul knew he was. Three weeks ago he told me he thought he was."

The field settled down with Joe Lively out in front and Niche Market, Denman and Grand National winner Mon Mome close behind.

Denman took a brief lead at the water jump ahead of the second circuit, but was pulled back to third.

Trouble

However, the favourite was soon back at the helm after Joe Lively failed to keep the pace down the back straight and he cemented his lead with a superb jump at the cross fence five out, putting most of his opponents in trouble.

What A Friend presented the most prominent threat, but the even the 22lb lighter six-year-old could not do enough and Denman prevailed.

An emotional Nicholls was obviously delighted with the triumph and is already thinking ahead for Denman's future.

"That was an exceptional moment, one I will never forget," said the champion trainer. "I said to Ruby going out that he had one horse to beat if everything went to plan - that one horse was What A Friend and it has turned out exactly like that.

Special

"To see a run like that from Denman is very, very special. "The Gold Cup is a long way off, both him and Kauto Star have proved as good as ever.

"The Lexus Chase isn't a given (as the next run) for Denman and if it is bottomless in Ireland I may just say to Paul (Barber) that we should give that a miss and come back here for the Aon Chase instead.

"We know he likes Newbury and it wouldn't bother me just giving him one run between now and Cheltenham as we know he is back to his best."