What is the Denman Chase?

The Denman Chase is a Grade 2 steeplechase run over 2 miles, 7 furlongs and 86 yards at Newbury in February. Open to horses aged five years and upwards, the race was inaugurated, as the Aon Chase, in 2000. Originally a Class 2 contest, it was promoted to Listed status in 2002 and again, to Grade 2 status, a year later. Since 2012, the race has borne the name of Denman, who won the race in 2008 en route to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Denman Chase is currently scheduled for so-called Betfair Super Saturday, which is staged five weeks or so prior to the Cheltenham Festival and, as such, is considered a leading trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Denman aside, Kauto Star (2007), Coneygree (2015) and Native River (2018) all won both races in the same season. Indeed, Native River, who won the Denman Chase three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2020, is the most successful horse in the history of the race.

Paul Nicholls, who saddled Kauto Star and Denman, was also responsible for See More Business (2000), Shotgun Willy (2001), Valley Henry (2003), Tricky Trickster (2010), Noland (2011), Silvianaco Conti (2013), Clan Des Obeaux (2019) and Secret Investor (2021). The Master of Manor Farm is, far and away, the most successful trainer in the history of the Denman Chase with ten winners in all.

At the time of writing, February 10, 2023 is still several months away but, nearer the time, any bona fide contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup – especially one trained by Paul Nicholls – would merit serious consideration in the Denman Chase. Bravemansgame, about whom Nicholls has expressed stamina doubts over the 3 miles, 2 furlongs and 70 yards distance of the Gold Cup, could prove an ideal candidate in due course.