PAUL NICHOLLS CONFIRMS THAT DENMAN & KAUTO STAR WILL RETURN NEXT SEASON

 Superstars: Kauto Star & Denman going nowhere says Nicholls

Paul Nicholl’s has no intention of retiring either of Denman or Kauto Star after their courageous Gold Cup showing.

Champion trainer Nicholls, leading British trainer at the Festival, was ecstatic with the performances of his two stars, despite having limted expectations for both before the big race.

However both horses will run again this season Nicholls confirmed saying: “Denman is normally shattered after his races but the breathing operation has helped him and I’ve never known him better.

“If he runs again this season, it will be at Aintree in the totesport Bowl. Kauto will be entered for Punchestown – it gives him six weeks between races and the usual good ground there will suit.”

Denman and Kauto Star, as proved by the standing ovation they received in the winners enclosure after the race, hold a special place in the race-goers affection. Nicholl’s though admits it could have been a different story had they run below par.

“If they had run moderately we would have talked about the end but they give a lot of people a lot of pleasure and still love their racing.”

Nicholls may have another star in his midst after the convincing win for the heavily-backed Zarkandar in the JCB Triumph Hurde.

In as competitive renewal for prospective Champion Hurdlers, Zarkandar saw off the threat of stable mate Sam Winner and Nicky Henderson’s Grandouet to make it two wins out of two after success at Kempton on his Britsih debut.

Trailing the Henderson duo of Grandouet and Molotof and the much-fancied Unaccompianed, Zarkandar help up coming up the Cheltenham hill. Jumping the last, Daryl Jacob, picking up his first Cheltenham success, asked questions of the former flat star, who responded with a surge to record a two-and-a-quarter length call for the 13-2 shot.

Zarkandar, half-brother to unbeaten Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava, has now been installed at 10-1 for next years Champion Hurlde renewal.

Nicholls said: “He astounded me. Today he has jumped and travelled supremely well and picked them up the minute he wanted to – he’s our little Hurrican Fly.

"When I bought him I loved him but he was coltish and badly behaved and when he first joined us he would kill you if he could. Since we had him gelded, though, he is like your best mate.