CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP runner-up Denman will not be retired following his magnificent performance in the Festival blue-riband race.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old finished a gallant second to six-year-old Long Run by seven lengths. That achievement was all the more laudable as the ground at Cheltenham was quicker than ideal for the Paul Barber-owned chestnut, who won the Gold Cup in 2008.

Yet despite his advancing years, connections will keep Denman in training for at least another season. Barber said: “It was wonderful to be part of it, and an honour to see Denman run so well. He’s looking very well, but I’m not going to think about plans for at least a few days.

“The one thing I can say is that he won’t be retired. All being well, we’ll keep him going for another year.”

Plans are less concrete, however, for two-time Gold Cup winner Kauto Star. The 11-year-old gelding, also trained by Nicholls, atoned for last year’s fall in the race when finishing an honourable third under Ruby Walsh.

“It was a fantastic performance and I’m a very proud man,” said owner Clive Smith.

“We said at the Festival we wouldn’t make any hasty decisions, so we must sit down and have a discussion as to what we do next.”

- AP