Neptune set to replace Denman at Leopardstown

Neptune Collonges is set to take the place of Denman in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

Denman last year raced to a flawless victory in the prestigious event but has suffered an interruption to his schedule and will not return to the track until February.

Paul Nicholls will instead deploy the grey, third behind Denman and his other stablemate Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, in the Lexus on December 28.

Neptune Collonges is also known across the Irish Sea for two scores in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Owner John Hales said: “I’ve never lost in Ireland, with Neptune Collonges winning before and now Noland winning at Down Royal.

“I am planning to be back on December 28, when Neptune will run in the Lexus Chase.”