Denman’s mark unchanged at 176

DENMAN remains unchanged on a mark of 176 following his victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.

Although satisfied with the seven-year-old’s four-length win in the Grade One contest, British Horseracing Authority senior handicapper Phil Smith was not inspired to raise his handicap rating.

That leaves the Paul Nicholls-trained Denman on a 4lb-lower mark than stablemate and Cheltenham Gold Cup rival Kauto Star, who was raised to 180 after his King George VI Chase romp earlier in the week.