Cheltenham Festival corporate hospitality news: Denman faces pre-Gold Cup veterinary checks

02/03/2010

Racing fans backing Denman to romp to victory in front of Cheltenham Festival corporate hospitality ticketholders have learned of an unexpected development which could prevent the horse from competing.

The horse is set to race his stablemate Kauto Star in the Gold Cup on March 19th 2010, but he must first pass a race day examination by vets after being placed on the British Horseracing Authority's (BHA's) high-risk list.

It comes after Denman's failure to complete the Aon Chase event at Newbury last month for the second time in three visits.

Consequently, despite his status as second-favourite to triumph in front of fans with Cheltenham Festival corporate hospitality tickets, the horse must pass the checks before being allowed into the race.

BHA spokesman Paul Struthers told the Daily Mail: "Any horse that falls into the criteria will be examined and it will be no different for Denman."

Throughout his career, Denman has earned his owners more than £670,000 in prize money.

Posted by Keith Prowse