From early dominance, through worry and wear to glorious resurgence
A superstar in the makings
Off the back of a single point-to-point victory at Liscarroll for Adrian Maguire, Denman arrives at Paul Nicholls' yard in 2005 a raw frame of a recruit but already with a big reputation.
He goes on to confirm that over hurdles, suffering a solitary defeat behind Nicanor in a tactical 2006 Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Sent over fences the following autumn, Denman dominates the staying novice division with a series of powerful displays, storming to a first festival success when breaking the spirits of his pursuers fully half a mile from home in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, winning by ten lengths.
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