Denman, bred by Colman O’Flynn, was foaled in April 2000 in County Cork. Sired by Presenting and brother to Grade One winning Silverburn, he was originally trained by former champion jockey Adrian Maguire. He was spotted by Tom O’Mahony, a scout for Paul Barber, the landlord of trainer Paul Nicholls, at the Duhallow point-to-point races at Liscaroll, where he beat 16 fellow runners by 12 lengths.

Now under the hand of Paul Nicholls and the whip of Ruby Walsh, the 2005/06 season saw Denman win a 21 length victory at the Challow Hurdle. The following season saw him win his first four novice chases, and although he was a favourite for the Cheltenham Festival, it was decided that he would be entered into the Royal and Sun Alliance Novices Chases as opposed to the Gold Cup. He stole the show from Snowy Morning by a cool 10 lengths and exhibited jumping not seen in a novice for a long time previous.

The 2007/08 season saw him entered for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with new jockey Sam Thomas, due to Ruby Walsh staying loyal to defending champion and fellow stable mate Kauto Star. Speculation was rife and even Ruby Walsh was uncertain what the outcome was to be, as Nicholls was confident that both horses were 100% ready for the race. The race was close but Denman managed to win by 7 lengths.

The 2008/09 season was interrupted for Denman as he needed to be treated for an irregular heartbeat, and so didn’t appear until Kempton Park in February, where he finished second. His next race was the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March where he tried to retain his claim on the cup, but finished second behind Kauto Star. Nicholls is determined that will regain his crown now that he is as he was two years ago when he won the Gold Cup.

Despite the fact that for a second year in a row Denman is being widely speculated as an Aintree contender, nothing has been decided by Paul Nicholls who has indicated that Tricky Trickster, Denman’s stablemate, will be his National candidate. However, his bold jumping style, sheer pace and exquisite style of racing would be suited to this race and with so many horses out of the handicap he really could stand an incredible chance of winning.

If you fancy your chances and think Denman is the horse for you, Paddy Power are taking ante-post bets on him now!