Denman to be permanently remembered at Newbury Racecourse with specially designed set of wrought iron gates

Artist impression of the set of wrought iron gates which will stand at the North Entrance at Newbury Racecourse as a permanent tribute to the legendary chaser

The gates will be officially opened on Saturday 9 February, Betfair Super Saturday

Denman, the only horse since Arkle to win two runnings of the Hennessy Gold Cup, is to be permanently remembered at Newbury Racecourse by a specially commissioned set of gates which will be named after him.

The memorial to the legendary chaser will stand at the North Entrance and will be officially opened on Saturday 9 February, Betfair Super Saturday when the Grade 3 Betfair Denman Chase, the race which has carried his name since 2012 will also be run.

Denman emulated Arkle by winning the Hennessy Gold Cup, now renamed the Ladbrokes Trophy, in 2007 and 2009. In recording his second victory, which followed a spell out of training due to a heart condition, he produced one of the most memorable performances of the modern era by winning from what seemed an improbable handicap mark of 174.

Popularly known as ‘The Tank’, Denman was owned by Paul Barber and the late Margaret Findlay and trained by Paul Nicholls. He also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2008, defeating stablemate and rival Kauto Star.

The new gates have been designed and made in collaboration by talented equine sculptor Charlie Langton and celebrated local blacksmith Guy Clarkson. They form part of the near complete £20 million ‘heartspace’ redevelopment at Newbury which is transforming the racecourse for horses, horsemen and racegoers.

They will be officially opened to racegoers on Saturday 9 February by Paul Barber, Harry Findlay and Paul Nicholls as well as others closely associated with the legendary chaser.

Owner, Paul Barber said: “I am touched that Newbury Racecourse has chosen to permanently commemorate Denman in such a fitting way. Put simply, he was a horse of lifetime.”

Harry Findlay said: “This is a fitting tribute for the immortal equine Tank! National Hunt racing has the most educated support in the world and the knowledgeable rapport and banter with the punters after his two Hennessy wins at Newbury were something I will never forget. Denman more than left his mark on Newbury and his first win in 2007 showed just how special he really was!”

Trainer Paul Nicholls added: “Denman was an awesome horse who the public came to love because of his wholehearted approach to racing. He was a formidable competitor, particularly at Newbury where he won five times. He had an iron will and it feels appropriate that he is to be remembered with this magnificent set of gates.”

Sam Thomas who partnered Denman to victory on multiple occasions commented: “Sadly I am unable to be at Newbury for the official opening of the gates, but I was very privileged to ride such a special horse. He had a will to win like no other.”

Julian Thick, Chief Executive of Newbury Racecourse said: “Denman meant a lot to so many and he is synonymous with Newbury, marked by two Hennessy Gold Cup wins, a runaway win in what is now the renamed Denman Chase as well as two Novice chases. We are looking forward to welcoming those who were associated with him to officially open the gates and are delighted to have commissioned an appropriate and permanent way of remembering a very special horse.”

Betfair Super Saturday will see Britain’s richest handicap hurdle take place on the day worth £155,000 in prize money.

Take advantage of our special £15 Grandstand ticket offer, which includes a free drink, available until 5pm on Friday 1 February 2019. Visit newburyracecourse.co.uk or call 01635 40015.