Nicholls Hopeful of Denman All-clear After Aintree Tumble

Denman, the 2008 Gold Cup winner, was taken from the track in a horse ambulance after a crashing fall at the second-last fence in the totesport Bowl at Aintree today.

The nine-year-old was alongside Madison Du Berlais, the eventual winner, when he appeared to take off too early before catching the top of the fence and then landing head first. After getting to his feet, Denman jumped the last but was clearly lame when he pulled up near the winning post.

Denman was taken to the racecourse stable for further examination, but Paul Nicholls, his trainer, said that the initial indications on his condition were encouraging. "He's got a bad cut on an elbow [on his right front leg], but he walked around here and then walked on to the trailer," Nicholls said. "It appears he's alright, but until he's cooled off, you just don't know. We'll get the vet to have a look, but he looks OK."

Denman's sudden departure left Madison Du Berlais clear and he went on to complete an easy success at odds of 12-1.