Racing:The Paul Nicholls-trained Denman heads a high class list of 17 entries for next month's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Denman won the Lexus Chase over the Hennessy course and distance in December 2007 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following March.
The 10-year-old returned last season after being treated for a fibrillating heart to finish second to Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and proved he was as back to form by claiming the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury’s in November.
If Denman makes the trip, competition will be intense with the Paul Nolan-trained Joncol - winner of the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December – will be one of the main challengers.
“We were probably too aggressive with him in the Lexus and I blame myself for that,” said Nolan, referring to his third place in last month’s Lexus Chase.
Willie Mullins has four entries, including last year’s Dr PJ Moriarty Chase and RSA Chase winner Cooldine, who coughed after running disappointingly in the Lexus Chase on his seasonal reappearance.
Dessie Hughes is represented by In Compliance, Schindlers Hunt and Rare Bob, while Noel Meade has entered Aran Concerto and Casey Jones, while Jim Dreaper will be represented by last year’s Punchestown Gold Cup winner Notre Pere.
Cross-channel challenges will come in the form of King George runner-up Madison Du Berlais, while the Nicky Richards-trained Money Trix, one place in front of Joncol in the Lexus, will bid to go one better in the Hennessy.
“It is fitting that the 20th Anniversary of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown looks set to be one of the most interesting and competitive renewals of recent years,” said Tom Burke, General Manager at Leopardstown.
“The card is supported by a further three Grade 1 races including the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, the Deloitte Novice Hurdle and the Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase and we are looking forward to an exceptional days racing.”