Ex-racer Denman shows how it's done

What a joy it was to see that old warrior Denman parading at Newbury races last weekend! And what a great advertisement for ex-racehorses he has proved to be!

He was there to honour the race named after him, the Betfair Denman Chase. As he led out the parade of contenders on the way to the start, several commentators remarked that, even now, at the age of 16 and in happy semi-retirement, he looked as if, given the chance, he could still beat them all.

He certainly looked a picture of health, vitality and happiness as he emerged from the racecourse stables and entered the parade ring, ridden by a proudly-beaming Charlotte Alexander, his keeper since 2012. Denman, who won over £1 million in his racing career, progressed king-like round the ring, applauded and patted by the adoring crowds, including children, who were invited into the ring to meet him. Denman may have been nicknamed 'The Tank' in his racing days, but he was a complete gentleman with his fans - didn't bite or kick any of them!

Meanwhile, the TV cameras showed an interview with his former trainer Paul Nicholls chatting to another much-honoured retiree, (Sir) A P McCoy. Nicholls said how much Denman was enjoying life, going hunting every week through the season and and loving teamchasing too. Nicholls also let slip a snippet of information that was unexpected – and touching. It seems that, when Denman was in training, his owner would go to the Nicholls yard in the evenings to visit him. “He'd go into his box and feed him – and love him.” Now that's not the sort of language you'd expect from supposedly hard-nosed racing folk – but in my experience it reflects a truth: the people who work with racehorses, and many owners who make a point of visiting them as often as possible, really do love them, and want the very best for them, both during and after their racing careers.

It's certainly heartening to see increasing numbers of trainers and owners making provision for the retirement lives of their racing horses by preparing them for 'second careers'. Many trainers now incorporate dressage sessions into their training regimes. It's partly to keep the horses physically supple and mentally engaged, but it's also a useful skill for them to apply in another job, whether that be pure dressage, or eventing, or showing. Many racehorses now do 'other stuff' in their holiday time too. Instead of spending months turned out in a field, they will have a few outings eventing, or showing, or hunting. It all helps them re-integrate into 'civilian life' when their racing days are over. It was good to see a trainer of Paul Nicholls' calibre supporting the cause of ex-racehorses like this.

(Photo - Horse & Hound)            Denman at Newbury with his owner Paul Barber (left) and Paul Nicholls' father Brian

Of course, brilliant ambassador for retrained racehorses though Denman is, it has to be acknowledged that an ex-racer isn't suitable for everyone. You'd never put a novice or nervous rider on a horse like Denman, any more than you'd give a 10-year-old go-carter a Ferrari to drive. But if a big, battle-hardened, dyed-in-the-wool old racer like Denman, hunting-fit and raring to go, can behave impeccably on a big public occasion for his not-very-large lady rider, it just shows what ex-racehorses can achieve when put in the right hands.

Watching Denman at Newbury on Saturday, there was no doubt at all that he was enjoying and thriving in his new life, and was much-loved by Charlotte Alexander. She looked proud as punch to be associated with him, and to be able to show him off to all his fans. But even with a successfully rehabilitated racehorse like Denman, old racing habits die hard. As he led the contenders out onto the track, Denman clearly knew where he was, and seemed eager to race too – and no doubt show them how it's done! Then, when he was turned to leave them, he jogged and bounced with excitement. Charlotte sat him easily, seemingly knowing his every muscle, bone and response. Then, she let him go – and Denman galloped like the champion he is, back down the track past the grandstand, the crowds applauding and Charlotte grinning from ear to ear.

(Photo Horse & Hound)               Denman and Charlotte Alexander let rip at Newbury!