Findlay delighted with Denman

Denman's part-owner Harry Findlay vowed to be back for more next year after his horse's valiant second to stablemate Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

After well-documented heart problems and an ordinary prep run at Kempton, the 2008 champion was unfancied at 8-1 but ran with much more vigour.

Trainer Paul Nicholls had been much happier with Denman's progress in the last couple of weeks, and Findlay reckoned with a clear run through, he too could regain the title in the pair's third clash.

He said: "He's back! It was so hard for us going into the race because we've said many times there is only one way to beat Kauto round here and we were never in a position to do that today.

"Like Paul said, two weeks ago we were a doubtful runner. I said two years ago I thought the pace of the race in the Gold Cup was so beneficial to Kauto Star, and after a few fences today I thought he was a 4-7 shot.

"So for Denman to run so well off that pace - he's murdered them everywhere because they were genuinely going at two-and-a-half-mile pace throughout.

"I thought it was an outstanding performance, Sam (Thomas) was so happy with him, we were all so happy with him.

"I watch things as a gambler, not an owner, and my immediate reaction was that he'd be a great punt for next year and hopefully there'll be no problems with Denman now and we can have the decider next year.

"They could go off at 6-4 each. It would be so good for racing so with Ruby (Walsh) on Kauto and Sam on Denman, if Paul gets them both back again it could be fireworks."

Nicholls added: "My big fear was that I didn't want to see Denman run moderately or to see anything happen to him.

"He schooled two weeks ago and both Sam and I were shocked at how badly he went. I turned to (other part-owner) Paul Barber and said I thought we were in trouble, but he turned the corner and has run an amazing race.

"We will give him a him a good summer out now and he will be a force to be reckoned with next year.

"It is too soon to make decisions now. There was talk of him going to France but he has gone a little bit light and if Paul and Harry agree we will probably leave him and get him back for next year."