Denman Scratched from Grand National

Connections have confirmed that Denman will not run in this year's John Smith's Grand National.

The nine-year-old had been installed by bookmakers as favourite for the race, but it has now been decided that last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will not feature.

The decision comes on the back of a comprehensive defeat for Denman at Kempton on his return to the track over the weekend.

Paul Nicholls' charge trailed home some 23 lengths behind Madison Du Berlais in the Levy Board Chase on Saturday and that loss has prompted his owners to focus their attentions on preparing him for the defence of his Gold Cup crown.

"I met with Paul Barber and Harry Findlay on Sunday night and we decided not to aim Denman at the National," Nicholls told racingpost.com.

"I want to concentrate on getting him right for the Gold Cup. I phoned Phil Smith, the handicapper, on Sunday to let him know our intentions and to give him time to adjust the National weights."

The weights for the world-famous handicap at Aintree are set to be unveiled in London on Tuesday.