Denman still ‘incredibly fat’ after summer break - Nicholls

DENMAN is still “incredibly fat” after his summer break according to trainer Paul Nicholls.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner returned to work between 50kg and 60kg above his ideal fighting weight.

And Nicholls says the horse they call ‘The Tank’ is having a tough time shedding the excess pounds.

He told The Racing Post: “Denman has always been a hard horse to get fit, but this year it’s worse than ever.

“The problem started when he had a month off after the Gold Cup, and then he got very fat over the summer. Despite being back in work six weeks, he’s still incredibly fat.

“We’ve got plenty of time before his reappearance in the Hennessy but, to be honest, he wouldn’t be ready to race before then.”

Nicholls is in no rush to decide who will ride Denman when he does reappear at Newbury on November 29.

He added: “Sam got on brilliantly with Denman in the Gold Cup, but everyone is aware that Ruby is my stable jockey.

“However, there’s no point my deciding at this early stage whether Sam or Ruby will ride him in the Hennessy, as so much can happen that it’s best to leave my options open for now.”

With the National Hunt season getting ever closer Sky Bet have produced a market on who will ride Denman in his first competitive race.

Sam Thomas was on board the unbeaten chaser when they beat stablemate Kauto Star, partnered by Ruby Walsh, in chasing’s blue riband event at Cheltenham in March.

And Sky Bet give the vote to Thomas, going 4-7 about him keeping the ride. Walsh is 5-4 and it’s 20-1 that any other jockey is on board.

Paul Nicholls is keeping his cards close to his chest on the subject. He said: “Sam got on brilliantly with Denman in the Gold Cup, but everyone is aware that Ruby is my stable jockey.

“However, there’s no point my deciding at this early stage whether Sam or Ruby will ride him in the Hennessy, as so much can happen that it’s best to leave my options open for now.”

That view was echoed by Sky Bet spokesman Michael Shinners who said: “Who rides Denman will be very interesting as although Ruby Walsh is stable jockey, Sam Thomas did nothing wrong every time he rode him.”