Denman's death a reminder of the importance of point-to-points as sales loom

The Flat season may be in full flow but the emotional heart of jumping retains an enduring capacity to prevail regardless.

In the midst of a relatively low-profile week, the retirements of popular stalwarts like Andrew Thornton and Djakadam could have been centre stage. However, somewhat aptly, given that both spent most of their respective careers soldiering on spiritedly in the shadows of more illustrious rivals, the narrative was instead seized by one of the true icons of the game.

Denman has always commanded attention. During a vintage era for staying chasers, he was a towering equine colossus whose rivalry with Kauto Star and assorted others thrust the sport on to the front and back pages of the daily newspapers.