AON renamed in Denman's honour

LONDON, Dec 21 PA - This season's renewal of the AON Chase at Newbury is to be named after recently-retired National Hunt great Denman.

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner won at Newbury on five occasions, including a victory in the AON Chase of the same year and two Hennessy Gold Cup successes.

The Denman Chase will be run in Berkshire on February 11.

Trainer Paul Nicholls told sponsors Betfair: "With the likes of Kauto Star, Master Minded and Big Buck's in the stable, I am lucky enough to not be able to say that Denman is a once-in-lifetime-horse for me and the team here at Ditcheat.

"But of course Denman is a legend and myself and his owner Paul Barber were very proud to be told by Betfair today that Denman is to have a race named after him at Newbury.

"And Newbury is a very fitting course, too.

"Not only is it one of my favourite tracks, but Denman didn't seem to mind it too much either."