Denman sent to paddock

Former Gold Cup winner Denman has been retired, after the veteran chaser injured a tendon at track work.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old was set to begin yet another campaign at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28, but this latest setback put pay to any further racing.

"It is with great regret that I have to announce the retirement of Denman," Nicholls said.

"A scan revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon."

"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 [head lad] Clifford [Baker] wasn't happy with him."

"So we called [vet] Buffy [Shirley-Beavan] in to scan him 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 won the Gold Cup in 2008 and was a two-time Hennessy Gold Cup winner in 2007 and 2009, but was widely known for his engrossing battles with fellow chaser Kauto Star.