Gold Cup winner Denman has run his last race for Paul after suffering a small injury in preparation for the Lexus
It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman.
A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat.
Denman was great on Wednesday morning as he worked towards his intended start in the Lexus later this month, but he pulled up a little bit sore yesterday morning and Clifford wasn't happy with him.
So we called Buffy (our vet) in to scan him at 4pm yesterday afternoon, and that revealed the problem with his near fore tendon.
We immediately informed his owner Paul Barber who, after consulting those close to him, took the decision to retire him.
It was the only course of action to take.
We are all devastated here at Ditcheat but Denman has given us some wonderful moments on the track, winning a Gold Cup, finishing runner-up in three more, as well two Hennessys, a Lexus and a Sun Alliance Chase.
He will be given an honourable retirement. But for the immediate future and to help his great friend Kauto Star, he will be kept in his box next to Kauto for the rest of season.
Denman will always be a legend here at Ditcheat.
So this truly is an end of an era.
The Tank deserves a long and happy retirement. A true great who re-wrote the record books. Paul Nicholls and Paul Barber will do well to find another one like him. Cheltenham should name a Festival race after him - perhaps something for ex-Point to Pointers only?
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