Horse Racing

Denman Is Ayr-Bound

After racing to a valiant second place in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, top contender Denman is likely to have his next shot a t glory at the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Considering the ten-year-old’s impressive performances not only at Cheltenham but throughout the season, it is no surprise that Denman has been located the heaviest load to carry – 11stone 12lbs – should he really run at Ayr on 17th April. The Nicholls-trained champion is closely followed in the weights by Madison Du Berlais, who will be weighed down with 10 stone 1lb.

Although Denman is the biggest celebrity equine entered into the Scottish Grand National, he is looking at a worthy field of contenders. Burton Point, the second placed in the Cheltenham RSA Chase, is due to run with an additional 9stone 10lbs; Silver By Nature burdened with 10 stone, who stands to become the first Scottish trained horse to win the Scottish Grand National in almost 30 years; and three Cheltenham 2010 heroes: Poker De Sivola, winner of the National Hunt Chase, who will carry 8 stone 10lbs; William Hill Trophy champion Chief Dan George, who is also bound for the Aintree Grand National and will run with 9 stone 6lbs at Ayr; and William Hill Trophy runner up The Package due to be weighed down an extra 9 stone 5lbs.

Staff and organisers at Ayr are thrilled about these high profile race entries, which will add credit to the often overlooked Coral Scottish Grand National. With a purse of £200,000 the meeting at Ayr will induce just as hard a competition as the more prestigious races. Trainer Paul Nicholls has stated that the only thing that could keep Denman from running at Ayr in two weeks time would be less-than-ideal ground conditions. However, if the weather holds, we can look forward to one of the finest Scottish Grand Nationals of all time.