Paul Nicholls: A Ditcheat legend retires

Latest News / Paul Nicholls / 09 December 2011 / 15

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How we will remember him - Denman crosses the line to win the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup

"We are all devastated here at Ditcheat but Denman has given us some wonderful moments on the track, winning a Gold Cup, finishing runner-up in three more, as well two Hennessys, a Lexus and a Sun Alliance Chase."

Gold Cup winner Denman has run his last race for Paul after suffering a small injury in preparation for the Lexus

It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman.

A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat.

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.

So we called Buffy (our vet) in to scan him at 4pm yesterday afternoon, and that revealed the problem with his near fore tendon.

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.

We are all devastated here at Ditcheat but Denman has given us some wonderful moments on the track, winning a Gold Cup, finishing runner-up in three more, as well two Hennessys, a Lexus and a Sun Alliance Chase.

He will be given an honourable retirement. But for the immediate future and to help his great friend Kauto Star, he will be kept in his box next to Kauto for the rest of season.

Denman will always be a legend here at Ditcheat.

So this truly is an end of an era.

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Click here to read Timeform's tribute to the legend.

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Melissa page. | 09 December 2011

I will miss seeing my favourite racehorse Thanks for the memories and have a great retirement. xxx
Colin Stubbs | 09 December 2011

Enjoy your retirement Denman you deserve it. What a great race horse you have been thanks for the memories.
MK | 09 December 2011

The Tank deserves a long and happy retirement. A true great who re-wrote the record books. Paul Nicholls and Paul Barber will do well to find another one like him. Cheltenham should name a Festival race after him - perhaps something for ex-Point to Pointers only?
Jonathan | 09 December 2011

DENMAN COEUR DE LION .......... You have done us proud .
John | 09 December 2011

A great racehorse who captured the publics imagination maybe more than Kauto has. His wins in the Hennessy were really special. Have a great retirement
Anonymous | 09 December 2011

LEDGEND DENMAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Colin Harrington | 09 December 2011

Happy retirement old boy, hope you have many happy years eyeing up the foxy older mares thinking what could have been. Oh to have been a Coolmore stayer - you might have kept 'em. Seriously though, a true great, thanks for the memories
keith | 09 December 2011

TANKS For the memories Denman Your a living legend!!!
Anonymous | 09 December 2011

Hope he has a really long and Happy retirement as he deserves nothing less. My favourite horse by a long chalk and I think even better than his neighbour Kauto Star. I,ll miss you old boy, go enjoy yourself. Bobby
Dave Hollingdale | 09 December 2011

Happy retirement to a super horse who gave enormous pleasure to us all.With Kauto Star being about I don't think Denman ever got the credit hedeserved for some sparkling performances.

Take Care all
Anonymous | 09 December 2011

long live the tank
Mary | 09 December 2011

I'd bought tickets for Cheltenham so as I'd be at his last race, shame he wont be going now but thank god he is retiring safe. A wonderful wonderful wonderful horse, thank you Den for some fantastic memories, especially this years Gold Cup. You and Kauto are amazing and have done so much for racing. Please dont disappear, it would be great to see you at Sandown for the Parade of Champions in the Spring. Wishing you a long happy and healthy retirement, be good!!
much love
Mary xxxx
lewi39 | 09 December 2011

will never forget the tank still think his weight carrying performance in the henessy was the best performance ive seen over jumps and better than his gold cup win . him and kauto put a lot of fun back in the jump racing over the last few years both horses are wonder horses and to have them two together at the same time was a joy to watch wish him a long retirement and thanks for the memories
jj | 09 December 2011

tremendous servant and was miles better than kauto at his peak, he would of beaten kauto star every time at his best.2008 performance was the best performance of a racehorse ive ever seen.

enjoy your retirement sir
Sam Williams | 12 December 2011

I will alawys remember 2 comments on the commentry from this race as follows with tears in my eyes

; and its denman , denmans got them at it '

;its denman , denman takes the gold cup ,