Denman Wins Award But Will He Reign During Cheltenham 2009?
We all love to win a prize or two, remember those school sports days, those chess championships? Ah sweet recognition. Being commended for our efforts is great for the spirit. And it looks like the great British weather has brought out the convivials in all of us, because there are awards left right and centre!
Nottinghamshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom picked up Player Of The Year Award for his prodigal return to international cricket, and our favourite piece of news yet has to be of an equine nature. It's with a sentimental sigh and memories of our big winnings that we speak of Denman.
Yes the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2008 winner, has been named Horse Of The Year at the Anglo-Irish Jump Racing Awards. It brings tears to our eyes we can tell thee. Denman had a really good run this season racking up bonus points for winning the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, Lexus Chase and Aon Chase. Denman even bagged trainer Paul Nicholls a Champion Trainer Trophy. We don't have to tell you that Denman is tipped highly for The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2009 and we shall be waiting with baited breath to see how he fares against stable mate Kauto Star who won the Champion Two-And-A-Half-Mile Chaser Award, despite losing out to Denman in the Gold Cup.
Nicholls admits he was gutted that Kauto Star lost out to Denman and has his money on Kauto Star for the next racing season. The Somerset based trainer said:
"It was brilliant that Denman won the Gold Cup, but the next day I was gutted that Kauto had got beat. He [Kauto Star] has been such a star for racing and for our yard. He'll be back next year and he'll be winning plenty more races."
It looks like Nicholls can't do any wrong and his Champion Chase winner Master Minded was awarded the season's highest rating by the panel at the awards. Master Minded beat Voy Por Ustedes to win the Champion Chase 2008.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next season's races and if the urge takes you, which we know it will, check out Bodog Sports to bet and win!
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