No retirement plans for Denman

Denman will not be retired following his magnificent performance in defeat in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old finished a gallant second to young star Long Run, beaten seven lengths.

That achievement was all the more laudable as the ground at Cheltenham was quicker than ideal for the Paul Barber-owned chestnut, who won the Gold Cup in 2008.

Yet despite his advancing years, connections will keep Denman in training for at least another season.

Barber said: "It was wonderful to be part of it, and an honour to see Denman run so well.

"I went down to see him at 6am this morning to give him his Polo mints.

"I couldn't see him on Friday night as I'm afraid we had celebrated a little too much.

"The race was over nine seconds faster than standard so it tells you how quick the ground was, and also how well Denman did.

"He's looking very well, but I'm not going to think about plans for at least a few days.

"The one thing I can say is that he won't be retired.

"All being well, we'll keep him going for another year."