Will Denman Run In The Grand National 2011?
I believe we have had similar threads about Denman’s possible participation in the Grand National in the two previous years and in both cases not many of you were convinced that he was ever likely to turn up and so it proved.
However, this year it seems that the noises emanating from joint-owner Harry Findlay are much more positive about the likelihood of Denman lining up in the Grand National 2011.
At the time of writing Denman is rated a 12/1 shot to win back the Cheltenham Gold Cup crown that he won so impressively in 2008. Since then he has, of course, finished runner-up in the Gold Cup on two occasions but it’s asking a lot to expect the great horse to win back the title at eleven-years-old. Connections will probably know in their heart-of-hearts that another Gold Cup is not very likely whereas in the previous two years they would have been very hopeful of winning again at Cheltenham so any thoughts of Aintree would have to have been an afterthought in their plans. Not so this year. With a victory at Cheltenham less likely than in recent years thoughts could be totall focussed on Aintree.
The Scottish National and Bet365 Gold Cup were mooted this year after his Gold Cup exertions, and although he did not reappear, it’s realistic to think that connections understand that age is catching up with their horse and opportunities should be taken whilst they can. Therefore, it may just be that the talk about Denman racing in the Grand National 2011 is more than just headline grabbing statements and may just happen this time.
If Denman did line up we could be in the very strange position of a Grand National winner returning to defend his crown with LESS weight than he had when he won the race! Denman ended the season on 182 and Don’t Push Its’ victory at Aintree has seen him rise to 164 – a difference of eighteen pounds. Even if the official handicapper tinkers with the weights to give Denman a chance Don’t Push It must race with a weight of less than eleven stone. Would this put him in with a great chance of retaining his crown and allowing us to finally stop writing that no horse has won back to back Grand Nationals since Red Rum! I do hope so……
What do you think? Will Denman actually turn up? If he does, will the weight be too much for him? Who could benefit the most if he does run? Don’t Push It? Someone else?
Denman is a 14/1 shot to win the Grand National 2011 with Paddy Power
Try and tear yourselves away from The Derby, Big Brother and The World Cup and let us know your thoughts.
This post has 3 comments
#1
June 3rd, 2010 17:17
They may want to race him in the GN but aged 11 and the way he is running he will most likely be retired before April 2011!! (no joke). Every good horse has his day and Denman owes no one nothing. It will be clear when he runs in the Hennessy. If he was to win it well then and only the could the GN be on the cards and he is still beatable.
#2
June 3rd, 2010 21:25
In a word NO!
They said this last year, and the year before but pulled him out.
Some owners/trainers just don’t want to risk their horses in such an hard race.
Some are absolutely bonkers about it too like Ginger Mc Cain with Red Rum and Amberleigh House.
Back in 2004 when I backed Amberleigh House for the national, I knew that if he was fit he’ll be there, and of course he won.
Then there some like our new friend Graham, who has admitted that his dream is to win at Cheltenham Festival, probably a champion race like Gold Cup or Champion Hurdle. However at this moment in time he has a decent chance with the Grand National and so is targeting The Niche at it (sensibly).
Besides the owner/trainer of Denman have Big Fella Thanks to represent them.
#3
July 14th, 2010 08:23
This is looking even more unlikely now. Following Harry Findlay getting warned-off over the laying of Gullible Gordon earlier in the season, he appears to have had a falling out with Nicholls and is severing all ties with the stable. He’s taking some of his horses elsewhere and some of those he co-owned with Paul Barber will remain at Ditcheat under the sole ownership of Barber. Denman appears to be one of the horses staying with Nicholls. It seemed to me that it was Findlay pushing for the National so I reckon it will be off the agenda now. Paul Barber entered See More Business a number of times but never ran so I can’t see Denman running.