One of the GREAT performances in modern Jumps racing - Denman wins the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup

Denman defies the doubters and top weight to win the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup under Ruby Walsh.
In the wake of a heart problem in the summer of 2008 and an inconsistent campaign in the spring of 2009 which culminated in a tired fall at Aintree, there were plenty ready to question whether Denman's powers might be on the wane.
But Nicholls produced him in full fighting order for his seasonal reappearance in the Hennessy, with the former Gold Cup hero now required to carry virtually a stone more than any other horse in the line-up.
Walsh was as positive ever on the nine-year-old and, although his old ally Sam Thomas came out of the chasing pack to throw down a determined challenge aboard What A Friend, even a 22lb pull in the weights wasn't enough to deny Denman another career-defining success, one that matched his 2007 Hennessy on the figures.
#Hennessy #Newbury #LadbrokesTrophy #HorseRacing #Horses
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[@kepnjem]

That brought a smile to my face. Brilliant horse, brilliant jockey. Happy days.

[@markbrocklehurst3764]

I loved this horse. Fave horse of all time. Always ran with his heart on his sleeve. Unbelievable performance under 11st 12. Would have won at least 1 more Gold Cup if he hadn't had his heart problem, I'm convinced of it, even against the brilliant Kauto. But that's just my personal opinion

[@tomconway2377]

And that is why THE TANK will live forever.Outstanding Denman.

[@jimelements7472]

Good old What A Friend wandering around like a drunken sailor...you've got to love the quirky ones!

[@peter8192009]

Denman could always run away after every jump, just too smooth👍🏼

[@patwoods6487]

A truly great warrior of a horse.

[@quae5tor]

I was in a bookies in Brighton on that day, and when they jumped the last a great roar erupted from the customers there - everyone of them cheered him home. Very exhilarating and emotional, Denman was one of the best chasers we've seen since Arkle, if not THE best.

[@roberto4001000]

Arkle would annihilate Denman giving him 2 stone, Arkle was on another level matey .

[@quae5tor]

@@roberto4001000 not if you use the form of Stalbridge Colonist, but I'm sure you know that. But it's all just opinion on events that took place decades ago and decades apart.

[@roberto4001000]

@@quae5tor Stop embarrasing yourself you fool .

[@roberto4001000]

@@quae5tor Arkle carried 12'7 in most of his races whilst breaking track records that still stand today, educate yourself you silly boy ....

[@quae5tor]

@@roberto4001000 you don't know me, you have no idea what experience I have in horseracing, or the knowledge that I can draw on. So stop using casual insults and get a life.

[@shanecopner7827]

Loved denman the bull hard as nails,that was a great race

[@johnavery3918]

Denman was always my fav he had such a heart

[@rockontommy6295]

Great commentary 👌

[@asburystan]

Fantastic commentary.

[@rodneymckee8431]

Denman a true champion and all heart

[@richardcrook3372]

Favourite all time NH horse and the only time I forgot I backed him until 10 minutes after the race.

[@markbrocklehurst3764]

What...a...legend

[@Cheshire-mopping]

Would of loved to see denman in the national 💵

[@conor7187]

Ruby rode him brilliantly. He needed to jump well and he did! He winged everything!

[@michaelb1716]

One of the all time great performances, as called perfectly by Simon Holt

[@SumoCumLoudly]

Race was a who's who of top class handicappers and grade horses, some performance giving them all a ton of weight.

[@harpalchauhan428]

Have to say was a kauto star fan 100%. Even kauto at his peak in 2008 before gold cup could not handle denman that year. FACT

[@craigpope8580]

On his day he was the best there has been over 3 miles people forget he had a serious heart injury just as sprintre sacre did if he didn't he would of been unbeaten and I love kauto star

[@roberto4001000]

Pipe down there kid, Arkle was the best over 3 miles by a distance, he would annihilate Denman giving him a stone or two.

[@heron9524]

@@roberto4001000 Arkel was the greatest of all time i agree. Denman was under 11stone 12 pounds against a top class field carrying that weight and not to mention just after a serious operation on a heart defect. Just show respect for what Denman achieved that day. It was one of the greatest races of it's generation and i'm an Arkle fan.

[@roberto4001000]

@@heron9524 Ye what a friend was a top class chaser wasn't he 🤣🤣 it was a field of average handicappers at best .

[@heron9524]

@@roberto4001000 If your that dead set against Denman then maybe watch a different race.

[@MickPurvis1986]

Never see anything like Denman on his day here ever again ✨

[@linseymowatt1736]

5:41 = Awesome!

[@jakubwidlarz]

A rare sound of Fitz and the Greatest in the same box!

[@pauloakley7587]

Only the great gold cup winners win the hennessy under top weight

[@peterdaniel5423]

Did it twice under top weight. Legend.

[@samsonpug]

This is probably the race that finished Denman. Lost his next 6 races and retired injured. Best Mate was looked after with more consideration.

[@michaeljohnson5365]

Snowy Morning was placed in 2 grand nationals came 5th!

[@alandavies7249]

Fair point

[@Professionalcynicalist]

Nice... but 2007 was 👌

[@101mossie]

Walsh is different gravy, makes them all look like amateurs.

[@rodneymckee8431]

Even when it came to jumping off horses

[@michaelmulhall5007]

@@rodneymckee8431When did he do that enlighten us Annie power ? You lose a fiver the bloke was the greatest horseman to ever sit on a horse

[@rodneymckee8431]

@@michaelmulhall5007 Bennie de deaux. kilultagh Vic another 2. AP mCcoy is the goat

[@lukekelly4482]

Peak Denmon > Kauto

[@anonymousanonymous3707]

Horses for courses , Kauto more classy Denman absolute tank , Denman couldn't have won a King George , Kauto couldn't have won a Hennessy.. imagine having them 2 in their prime at the same time your just making bank 😂😂