Denman in clear after heart scare

Trainer Paul Nicholls is convinced Denman can return to form

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman should be fit to defend his crown after treatment for a heart problem.

The horse, trained by Paul Nicholls, was treated in Newmarket for an irregular heartbeat and could return to action at the start of 2009.

Nicholls told the Racing Post: "He's fine, thank goodness, and we're all absolutely delighted.

"He didn't need an operation. He'll have an easy month - we'll start from scratch, building him up quietly."

Denman, who has won 13 of his 14 starts and is unbeaten over fences, will return to Nicholls' yard in Somerset on Friday.

The eight-year-old claimed a famous triumph over stablemate Kauto Star in steeplechasing's blue riband event at Cheltenham in March.

606 DEBATE Happy days - the champ's treatment has been a success - and he should be back to normal Arazi

Nicholls will aim the horse, owned by Harry Findlay and Paul Barber, at a repeat victory.

He said Denman was "very unlikely" to run in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December, a race which he won last season en route to Cheltenham glory.

"Whether he has one or two runs before the Gold Cup is almost immaterial, but his number-one target, as far as I'm concerned, is the Gold Cup," added the trainer.