Nicholls team bow to the new conqueror

DENMAN’S joint-owners Harry Findlay and Paul Barber accepted defeat with dignity as the 2007 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner settled for the silver medal for the second year running.

Rather than events 12 months earlier, when he was only beaten by his next-door neighbour at the Paul Nicholls stable, Kauto Star, this time it was Imperial Commander who proved too much.

High-stakes punter Findlay and gentleman farmer Barber are rather different characters and are certainly going be involved in discussions over the gelding’s future.