Denman will return to Cheltenham to defend his Gold Cup title after successfully undergoing treatment for an irregular heartbeat.

The eight-year-old had demolished the field in this year’s race to finish seven lengths clear of former champion Kauto Star.

And although he is unlikely return to racing until the new year - meaning he is likely to miss the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown - trainer Paul Nicholls insists that Denman will attempt to defend his Gold Cup title.

Nicholls told the Racing Post: “He’s fine, thank goodness, and we’re all absolutely delighted.

“Fortunately, he didn’t need to undergo an operation.

“He’ll then have an easy month - we’ll start from scratch, building him up quietly with a view to having him ready in the new year.

“That would mean the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown is very unlikely.

“Whether he has one or two runs before the Gold Cup is almost immaterial, but his No.1 target, as far as I’m concerned, is the Gold Cup.”
(Source: Sky Sports)