Denman

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: Denman devours Lexus field

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• published: 17 Dec 2012
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www.leopardstown.com - @LeopardstownRC - #XmasFest 'THE TANK' turned up at Leopardstown with a roaring reputation. Unbeaten through his novice chase campaign which culminated in a stunning RSA Chase success at the festival in March, Denman had lugged 11st12lb around Newbury on his reappearance in the Hennessy and boarded the boat to Dun Laoghaire as the second-highest rated chaser in training, second only to his more esteemed stablemate Kauto Star. It was a cold, crisp afternoon in Leopardstown but even those in the warmth of bars and restaurants hot-footed it down to the parade ring to see what all the fuss was about. They weren't disappointed. The strapping son of Presenting strode around the ring as if he owned the place -- proud, primed and ready for action. He faced just five rivals and the betting suggested that fellow British raider The Listener was his biggest danger. Racegoers wanted a piece of the action and Denman was supported from 4-7 into 4-9 before the off with The Listener drifting out to 4-1 as the forecast rain he craved failed to arrive. The clock ticked past half two as a hush descended on south Dublin. The starter mounted his rostrum and we were off. After sitting in behind the early pace, Ruby Walsh soon decided to take the bull by the horns and go on. He was in front after the third fence and jumped with his usual brilliance throughout. As he swung towards the second-last, The Listener, Mossbank and Beef Or Salmon were all poised to pounce and Ruby began to shake his reins. Had we a shock on the cards? Surely Denman's date with destiny wouldn't end up in disaster. As he turned for home with just one to jump, Denman's long, galloping stride was devouring the ground and Mossbank was struggling to get on terms. A fluent leap at the last consolidated his three-length lead and he maintained that advantage to the line with the Leopardstown crowd saluting a champion with a rousing round of applause. It was workmanlike rather than immensely impressive but that was Denman. It was his lack of dazzle that made him so dazzling. He just galloped and galloped and the following March he powered to victory in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. That made it all the more sweeter to be there in Leopardstown for Lexus day.