Gold Cup winner Denman set for surprise return

Denman's part-owner Paul Barber has revealed the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could make an earlier than anticipated return to the track in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on 17 January.

Following treatment for a fibrillating heart at the beginning of the season it was thought Denman's reappearance would come in the Aon Chase at Newbury in February but Barber said: "Denman is in tremendous form and is better than I have seen him. He might be back earlier than everyone thought in the Peter Marsh."

Meanwhile, with temperatures rising and snow starting to clear at Wetherby, officials at the track are optimistic about tomorrow's meeting.

Clerk of the course Jonjo Sanderson said: "We are thawing out. We still have 50 per cent of the course covered in snow but the forecast is positive."