Denman To Be Honoured At Newbury With New Gates

Denman is one of the greats of British National Hunt racing and still the only horse alongside Arkle to win two Hennessy Gold Cups. With this achievement forever being remembered at Newbury, a track he thrived at, he will now be honoured with his own set of gates named after him.

The chasing star who sadly passed away in June 2018 gained his first win at the Newbury track back in 2006 when taking the spoils in the Grade 2 novice chase and went on to land four more highly competitive contests at the Berkshire based course.

The new, flashy gates have been designed by a sculptor who specialises in equine portraits called Charlie Langton. The gates will be officially opened to the public on the weekend of February 9th which coincides with Newbury's Betfair's Super Saturday meeting.

The opening of the gates will be done by Denman's owners Paul Barber and Harry Findlay and trainer Paul Nicholls.

(Credit Racing post) The trainer said: “Denman was an awesome horse who the public came to love because of his wholehearted approach to racing. He was a formidable competitor, particularly at Newbury where he won five times. He had an iron will and it feels appropriate that he is to be remembered with this magnificent set of gates.”

Owner Harry Findlay added: “This is a fitting tribute for the immortal equine Tank! National Hunt racing has the most educated support in the world and the knowledgeable rapport and banter with the punters after his two Hennessy wins at Newbury were something I will never forget.

"He more than left his mark on Newbury and his first Hennessy win in 2007 showed just how special he really was."

In 2011 the son of Presenting retired from the sport due to injury and left behind him an illustrious trail of Grade 1 wins and special moments in horse racing that will never again be relived.

Jockey Sam Thomas was on board Denman for four of his victories during his career including the biggest one of all in the 2008 Gold Cup and said: “Sadly I am unable to be at Newbury for the official opening of the gates, but I was very privileged to ride such a special horse. He had a will to win like no other.”