18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
  1. irishracing.com
  2. News
  3. Denman Has It To Do - Nicholls

Denman Has It To Do - Nicholls

Paul Nicholls believes Denman faces a stiff task off top weight in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

Last season´s Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner will be burdened with top weight of 11st 12lb in the prestigious staying handicap chase.

He was originally third in the weights on 10st 8lb but a steep rise is certain as the two above him - stablemate Kauto Star (11st 12lb) and Exotic Dancer (11st 5lb) - look like being withdrawn at tomorrow´s confirmation stage.

'It´s very much like Kauto Star at Aintree - it´s hard to win a handicap off top weight,' said Nicholls. 'But we´ve got to start him somewhere and he´s in good form.

'He´s a big, strong horse and he´ll carry the weight but a lighter-weighted horse could easily cause him problems.

'For example, Abragante is in off a lighter weight and will be hard to beat.

'I just need to get a run into him. He´s in good order and worked nicely at Exeter the other day.'

'The Lexus (at Leopardstown on December 28) is the plan afterwards. They all carry the same weight in the Lexus and he´s got that advantage again,' Nicholls told At The Races.

Despite Nicholls´ reservations, Denman is a best-priced 9-2 favourite for the Hennessy at Newbury on Saturday.

(C) PA Sport

Latest Stories which may interest you

My Racing Story. Nicola Burns

I'm from just outside Mullingar in Co Westmeath and I grew up around horses. Dad (trainer Robbie Burns) always had horses at home, so I was definitely born into the game. I would have always had a pony growing up and then I started riding the racehorses out around 10 or 11. I moved into pony racing around 14. I always wanted to be a jockey, that was always what was in my head. I had two good years pony racing that included a four-timer one day in Ardee. Pony racing was definitely a big help before I went to the track. It definitely sharpens your skills for the racetrack. I rode a good bit for Shane Crabbe, he got me started with my first winner pony racing. Then I rode for Mary and Jimmy Brady, and plenty of others. I was champion lady rider in 2023 and 2024. That initial pony racing experience gives you a buzz to keep going and you just want to get out onto the racecourse proper and onto bigger things.

All eyes on Albert Einstein at the Curragh

Racegoers at the Curragh today will be treated to the sight of the current ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas Albert Einstein in the 1xBet.ie Supports Irish Racing Gladness Stakes (3.05pm).

In-form McCann looking forward to Whimsy's return

Anthony McCann sent out a third winner from his last six runners when Rising Sky took the last at Dundalk on Friday evening and the Castleblayney handler is looking forward to getting his dual-purpose performer Whimsy back on track in the near future.
Subscribe to latest horse racing offers
About Us    Advertise with us    Contact us    Terms & Conditions    Privacy Policy    Cookies Policy   Publishing Policy    Safer Gambling
© 2026 irishracing.com
18 Play Responsibly
Be Gamble Aware
GAM Stop
GAM Care
GAM Care IE
GAM Care
Time To Think