'It was, and always will be, the easiest £33,000 I've ever won'

In this extract from Harry Findlay's new autobiography Gambling For Life, the famous punter and owner describes the excitement surrounding Gold Cup winner Denman's first season over hurdles

Denman won his first novice hurdle race in Britain for his new connections at Wincanton. The horse was more workmanlike and resolute in victory than anything else, but it was a flat, right-handed speedster’s track and far from ideal for a big, staying horse like him.

It was with some trepidation that the connections returned to trainer Paul Nicholls' local track for his next outing. This time they had a serious opponent – Karanja – trained by Victor Dartnall, who went off as even-money favourite. Denman was 2-1, but he powered away up the home straight to win by a staggering 16 lengths.