Denman possible for Marsh return

Denman’s part-owner Paul Barber has revealed the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could make an earlier than anticipated return to the track in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on January 17.

After impressive victories in the Hennessy Gold Cup, Lexus Chase, Aon Chase and his brilliant defeat of stablemate Kauto Star in the blue riband, the eight-year-old was found to be suffering from a fibrillating heart at the beginning of this season.

Following treatment it was then thought his reappearance would be delayed until the defence of his crown at Cheltenham in March, but Barber said: “Denman is in tremendous form and is better than I have seen him.”

Speaking at the Racehorse Owners’ Association Awards in central London, he added: “He might be back earlier than everyone thought in the Peter Marsh.”

Owned in partnership with Harry Findlay, Denman is 5-4 favourite with sponsors totesport for the Gold Cup.