McCoy eyeing Cheltenham Gold Cup glory on Denman

Champion jockey Tony McCoy is in bullish mood ahead of his Cheltenham Gold Cup ride on Denman.

Paul Nicholls’ superstar was last seen fluffing his lines in the Aon Chase at Newbury and the media were quick to blame McCoy for the duo parting company three fences from home.

The 2008 Gold Cup winner is now as big as 4/1 to land  this month’s Gold Cup but McCoy is confident that he will be able to get Denman back to his best when he lines up against arch-rival Kauto Star.

"Paul is very happy with him and says he's in great shape," McCoy explained.

"I'm very much looking forward to it and obviously what happened at Newbury wasn't the plan.

"He probably wasn't 100% wound-up and it wouldn't surprise me if he's a horse that does need to be 100%.

"He got a little bit tight into the first one in the straight and was a bit unlucky the way he landed as he kind of slipped.

"Maybe he frightened himself a little and that's why he did what he did at the ditch.

"I'd like to think you learn something on every horse you ride and I think I learned enough about him that day.

"He has his quirks but he's a very good horse and I suppose all the pressure is on Kauto Star now."

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Tags: Cheltenham Festival, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Denman, Kauto Star, Paul Nicholls, Tony Mccoy