Muhammad Ali may have been famous for his razor-sharp one-liners but it was one of his deeper, more profound statements that came to mind when the sad news of Denman’s death, aged 18, emerged yesterday morning.

Last season’s Cork Grand National winner Vics Canvas has been given the go-ahead to bolster an already-strong Irish challenge in the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

Ruby Walsh has had his appeal against a three-day careless riding ban dismissed following a hearing at the British Horseracing Authority yesterday.

THERE’S always something of a lull between Cheltenham and Aintree and the racing this weekend is fairly mundane.

The old guard of Kauto Star, Denman and Imperial Commander feature among 14 declarations for this year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.