Paul Barber has confirmed Ruby Walsh will be riding Denman in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown later this month.
Sam Thomas and Tony McCoy have ridden the 11-year-old in the majority of his recent races but Walsh was on board when he disappointed at Aintree in April.
With Walsh likely to ride Kauto Star if the pair both line up in the Gold Cup in March, owner Barber is sure the situation will sort itself out nearer the time.
"I'm very excited about it. I can't wait to go over for the Lexus," said Barber on At The Races.
"It's a left-handed track - he much prefers it that way as we all know - it's over three miles and the girl who has been riding him out this season says he feels as good as ever.
"At the moment he's not showing any signs of his age. You just need to look at Kauto Star the other day. I've no worries on the age score at all so let's hope he comes forward and does his very best.
"What I would love to happen is win this and then go and win the Gold Cup. I would say those two races will be it this season.
"It would be absolutely fantastic if he could make it to the Gold Cup again.
"Ruby definitely rides him in the Lexus and then we'll go from there. If he rides Kauto Star in the Gold Cup, we'll find somebody else I expect."
Former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero 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 return to action in the December 28 feature at Leopardstown but a tendon problem has scuppered those plans and brought his racing career to a close.
"It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman," Nicholls told his Betfair column.
"A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat."
Nicholls continued: "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 Clifford wasn'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."
Denman Retired Former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero 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 return to action in the December 28 feature at Leopardstown but a
Anaglogs, if you hadn't posted that original article it woudln't have got me thinking which wouldn't have resulted in a pretty thick ante-post bet on Denman for the Gold Cup.
Please do not do that again!
Anaglogs, if you hadn't posted that original article it woudln't have got me thinking which wouldn't have resulted in a pretty thick ante-post bet on Denman for the Gold Cup.Please do not do that again!
He was injured yesterday morning so no idea why they announced yesterday evening tha Ruby would ride in the Lexus!
I was very close to havin a punt on him in the Lexus
He was injured yesterday morning so no idea why they announced yesterday evening tha Ruby would ride in the Lexus!I was very close to havin a punt on him in the Lexus
https://twitter.com/#!/B oylesportsNMG join the B to The O
OR it goes like this
RT @PFNicholls: Its with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman. A scan yesterday revealed a tiny tendon damage
9 hours ago
Nicola McGeady
@StephenDwyer @AtTheRaces Sad news on #Denman, would've liked to see the tank race once more
9 hours ago
Then ONE HOUR later
GNicola McGeady @StephenDwyer @attheraces #Denman is now 11/8 for the Lexus from 6/4
8 hours ago
https://twitter.com/#!/B oylesportsNMG join the B to The OOR it goes like thisRT @PFNicholls: Its with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman. A scan yesterday revealed a tiny tendon damage9 hours ago Nicola McGeady @StephenDwy
I've heard one or two other firms are taking a charitable view too, Govan. Boyles are not however. I'm well-accustomed to ante-post disappointment and have never thought I had a chance of a refund before....but this case seemed a little different imo. Basically I had a bet on a horse that, at the time the bet was struck, was retired with injury. Boyles think differently, though
I've heard one or two other firms are taking a charitable view too, Govan. Boyles are not however. I'm well-accustomed to ante-post disappointment and have never thought I had a chance of a refund before....but this case seemed a little different imo
Headmaster, **** are a joke of a firm. I placed my bet with VC on thursday night after the injury occurred and they refunded it. I know we're not entitled as that's the risk you take ante post and i wasn't really expecting it, but when it comes to customer service/relatons you can always rely on BS being bottom of the pile
Headmaster, **** are a joke of a firm. I placed my bet with VC on thursday night after the injury occurred and they refunded it. I know we're not entitled as that's the risk you take ante post and i wasn't really expecting it, but when it comes to cu
Paul Nicholls has announced Noland as his replacement for Denman in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The Grade One on December 28 was the target for Denman until his retirement last week and with Nicholls now having Kauto Star and Master Minded in the picture for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton, he has asked owner John Hales to supplement Noland.
A winner of the John Durkan at Punchestown in 2008, Noland has not raced since landing the Aon Chase at Newbury in February.
"Obviously Denman was going there but with Kauto Star and Master Minded running in the King George I said to John it was going to be a hot race," Nicholls said.
"John agreed, and while I should have entered him in the Lexus before, we're now going to supplement him.
"He's very well, runs well fresh, and it looks a good race for him
Paul Nicholls has announced Noland as his replacement for Denman in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.The Grade One on December 28 was the target for Denman until his retirement last week and with Nicholls now having Kauto Star and Maste