Denman disappoints Findlay

Denman left part-owner Harry Findlay disappointed after his Newbury failure last weekend, and the renowned gambler believes bookmakers have acted along the right lines by easing his odds for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The blue riband winner of two years ago is the general 5/2 second favourite behind stablemate Kauto Star after he unseated champion jockey Tony McCoy in the Aon Chase.

The 10-year-old crashed through the fourth-last fence before parting company with his rider at the next, and McCoy's downbeat post-race comments have left Findlay subdued.

Findlay said: "What happened last weekend was a big shock to everyone in Ditcheat and overall I was a tad disappointed. McCoy hadn't ridden him before and he can be lazy, but for McCoy not to be happy with him and for the pack to be so close is a bit disappointing.

"I didn't spend the winter in Ditcheat but he was flying before the Aon and I was hearing things about him that I had never heard before. They may say they have left something to work on but I am not having that."