Denman retired due to injury

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman has been retired after suffering a setback in his preparation for the Lexus Chase.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old was due to make his seasonal reappearance in the December 28 feature event at Leopardstown but a tendon problem has scuppered those plans and ended his career.

"It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman," said the champion trainer today.

"A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat."

Nicholls added: "Denman was great on Wednesday morning as he worked towards his intended start in the Lexus later this month but he pulled up a little bit sore yesterday morning and we weren't happy with him.

"So we called Buffy [our vet] in to scan him at 4pm yesterday afternoon and that revealed the problem with his near fore tendon. We immediately informed his owner, Paul Barber, who, after consulting those close to him, took the decision to retire him. It was the only course of action to take."

Known as 'The Tank' for his brutal front-running style, Denman won 14 of his 24 races, including the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup and Hennessy Gold Cups (2007 and 2009).

Meanwhile, after a week that would have seen lesser men forced onto the sidelines, Tony McCoy heads to Cheltenham tomorrow to ride Sunnyhillboy in the Spinal Research Gold Cup.