14:10 Newbury 07 Feb 2026
William Hill Denman Chase
Grade 2 | GBB Race | Class 1 | 5YO plus
Winner £51,255 - 4 declared to run
Heavy-soft in places on chase course
Draw Advantage: None
Forecast: Light rain
Temperature: 6.2° - 11.1°
Rainfall: 1.76mm
Wind: 11.9 mph SE
Last Update: 06/02/2026 17:00x
- Winner
- W/O Haiti Couleurs
- W/O Lhomme Presse
- Top 2 Finish
- Top 3 Finish
- W/O Haiti Couleurs And Lhomme Presse
- Not To Win
Bookies best price percentage = 104.94%
AT THE RACES is not liable for any services or information offered or provided by its bookmaker partners. Please note: Whilst every effort is made to ensure odds and information are up to date and correct, differences between these and actual odds/information available from bookmakers at time of placing a bet may occur.
Winner of two Grade 1s and from a yard that won this race last year. Game effort when second beaten 3/4l in the Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) at Cheltenham last time splitting pair of Grade 1 winners. Effective at 3m and remains classy. Sets standard and could be tough to peg back.
Has won a hurdle race and eight chases from 2m to 3m 1f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 3/4l by Spillane's Tower when second of 4 at 4-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 2 chase in the Group 2 Betfair Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham over 3m 1f (soft) last month.
Winner of two Grade 1s and from a yard that won this race last year. Game effort when second beaten 3/4l in the Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) at Cheltenham last time splitting pair of Grade 1 winners. Effective at 3m and remains classy. Sets standard and could be tough to peg back.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 20 | 9 | 3 | 45% | |
| Chase | 16 | 8 | 2 | 50% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| G | Similar Going | 8 | 4 | 1 | 50% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 20 | 9 | 3 | 45% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 38.5% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Charlie Deutsch | 16 | 8 | 2 | 50% |
| T | Miss V Williams | 18 | 9 | 2 | 50% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Unsuited by soft ground when finishing down the field in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Cheltenham most recently. Effective at 2 1/2m and is probably high enough in the weights now. Up against it up in class.
Has won a hurdle race and seven chases from 2m 4f to 2m 6f on ground varying from good to soft. Well beaten at 50-1 behind Donnacha when 10th of 11 on his latest outing in a chase at Cheltenham over 2m 5f (soft) last month.
Unsuited by soft ground when finishing down the field in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Cheltenham most recently. Effective at 2 1/2m and is probably high enough in the weights now. Up against it up in class.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 30 | 8 | 2 | 26.7% | |
| Chase | 24 | 7 | 1 | 29.2% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| G | Similar Going | 6 | 1 | 2 | 16.7% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (T only) | 22 | 7 | 1 | 31.8% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 11.1% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Harry Skelton | 26 | 7 | 3 | 26.9% |
| T | Dan Skelton | 33 | 8 | 3 | 24.2% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Jumped boldly and improved back up in trip and down in class under a fine front-running ride when winning the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow by 3l last time. Progressive Irish and Welsh National winner suited by 3m+. Has struggled when upped in class before but still progressing and looks the main threat.
Has won three hurdle races and five chases from 2m 7f to 3m 7f on ground varying from good to soft - heavy. A winner at 5-1 in a chase at Chepstow over 3m 7f (good to soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating O'Connell by 3l. Has also won at Newbury this season.
Jumped boldly and improved back up in trip and down in class under a fine front-running ride when winning the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow by 3l last time. Progressive Irish and Welsh National winner suited by 3m+. Has struggled when upped in class before but still progressing and looks the main threat.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 14 | 8 | 4 | 57.1% | |
| Chase | 7 | 5 | 1 | 71.4% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| C | Course | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50% |
| D | Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| G | Similar Going | 7 | 3 | 3 | 42.9% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 16 | 8 | 5 | 50% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 50% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | S Bowen | 9 | 6 | 1 | 66.7% |
| T | Miss R Curtis | 14 | 8 | 4 | 57.1% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Travelled well and improved again when second, beaten a head, in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot last time. Trainer in form and enjoys making it, is effective at 3m and may get further. Progressive handicapper looks out of depth here.
Winner of a hurdle race, two NH flat races and two chases from 2m to 3m 1f on good and good to soft ground. Beaten a head by Deep Cave when second of 12 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Ascot over 3m (good to soft) in December last year.
Travelled well and improved again when second, beaten a head, in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot last time. Trainer in form and enjoys making it, is effective at 3m and may get further. Progressive handicapper looks out of depth here.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 7 | 3 | 1 | 42.9% | |
| Chase | 6 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| C | Course | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100% |
| D | Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| Similar Going | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 6 | 3 | 3 | 50% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Rex Dingle | 5 | 2 | 1 | 40% |
| T | A J Honeyball | 6 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Verdict
Haiti Couleurs put his Betfair Chase blip behind him to land the Welsh National in fine style and although the gelding will be eyeing loftier targets come the spring, landing this prize would only strengthen his claims. That said, it might pay to side with L'HOMME PRESSE on this occasion. Venetia Williams' veteran rolled back the years to finish an excellent second in the Cotswold and, if able to find that rhythm out in front once again, he might be tough to reel in. Leave Of Absence can chase the pair home ahead of Riskintheground.
Expert View Verdict
This looks a clear match race between L'HOMME PRESSE and Haiti Couleurs. Both like to dominate but the former has a good record in small fields so is narrowly preferred. He showed a willing attitude last time splitting a pair of Grade 1 winners when trying to defend his crown in the Cotswold Chase. That run gives him 5lb in hand of his rivals here and though this race does come quickly enough he doesn't have too many miles on the clock in recent years. The Rebecca Curtis gelding is the clear danger having recently added the Welsh National to the Irish version he landed last year. His progression may not be finished but it is a concern that he was well held when upped in class in the Betfair Chase earlier in the season. Useful novice Leave Of Absence can chase home the pair at a respectable distance.
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Previous Winners
| Year | Going | Ran | Winner | Draw | Age | Weight | OR | Form | Last run | Trainer (Distance) | Jockey | SP | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Soft | 7 | Djelo | 7 | 11 8 | - | 238-212 | 20 days | Miss V Williams (89 miles) | Charlie Deutsch | 6/ 4 | 6:05.80 | |
| 2024 | Heavy | 5 | Shishkin | 10 | 11 8 | - | 3121-RU | 46 days | N J Henderson (1 miles) | Nico De Boinville | 8/ 11 | 6:02.60 | |
| 2023 | Good | 7 | Zanza | 9 | 11 2 | - | 8P-6217 | 47 days | P Hobbs & J White (108 miles) | Tom O'Brien | 16/ 1 | 5:34.50 | |
| 2022 | Good to Soft | 5 | Eldorado Allen | 8 | 11 6 | - | 225-132 | 28 days | C L Tizzard (74 miles) | Brendan Powell | 6/ 1 | 5:50.90 | |
| 2021 | Good to Soft | 7 | Secret Investor | 9 | 11 0 | - | 1202-10 | 85 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | Bryony Frost | 14/ 1 | 5:57.76 | |
| 2020 | Good | 6 | Native River | 10 | 11 6 | - | 11234-1 | 63 days | C L Tizzard (74 miles) | Jonjo O'Neill Jr | 2/ 5 | 5:56.45 | |
| 2019 | Good to Soft | 4 | Clan Des Obeaux | 7 | 11 6 | - | 2123-41 | 52 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | Harry Cobden | 2/ 5 | 5:59.80 | |
| 2018 | Soft | 3 | Native River | 8 | 11 6 | - | 1-21113 | 330 days | C L Tizzard (74 miles) | Richard Johnson | 8/ 11 | 6:13.10 | |
| 2017 | Soft | 3 | Native River | 7 | 11 6 | - | 321-211 | 46 days | C L Tizzard (74 miles) | Aidan Coleman | 11/ 10 | 6:07.80 | |
| 2016 | Soft | 7 | Houblon Des Obeaux | 9 | 11 0 | - | 0F-9984 | 28 days | Miss V Williams (89 miles) | Aidan Coleman | 3/ 1 | 6:17.90 | |
| 2015 | Soft | 6 | Coneygree | 8 | 11 5 | - | 1113-11 | 43 days | M Bradstock (17 miles) | Richard Johnson | 15/ 8 | 5:54.68 | |
| 2014 | Heavy | 5 | Harry Topper | 7 | 11 10 | - | 1UB-133 | 14 days | K Bailey & M Nicholls (56 miles) | J Maguire | 7/ 2 | 6:08.83 | |
| 2013 | Soft | 8 | Silviniaco Conti | 7 | 11 10 | - | 1241-11 | 77 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | Ruby Walsh | 8/ 11 | 6:06.04 | |
| 2012 | Good to Soft | 5 | Long Run | 7 | 11 10 | - | 3311-22 | 53 days | N J Henderson (1 miles) | Mr Sam Waley-Cohen | 4/ 7 | 5:42.70 | |
| 2011 | Good to Soft | 5 | Noland | 10 | 11 0 | - | 3211-2P | 20 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | A P McCoy | 13/ 2 | 6:01.30 | |
| 2010 | Good to Soft | 6 | Tricky Trickster | 7 | 11 3 | - | 22121-2 | 19 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | Ruby Walsh | 8/ 1 | 5:56.00 | |
| 2009 | Soft | 7 | Madison Du Berlais | 8 | 11 6 | - | 425F-61 | 70 days | D Pipe (108 miles) | Tom Scudamore | 12/ 1 | 6:27.80 | |
| 2008 | Good to Soft | 4 | Denman | 8 | 11 10 | - | 1111-11 | 43 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | Sam Thomas | 1/ 4 | 6:03.66 | |
| 2007 | Soft | 6 | Kauto Star | 7 | 11 10 | - | 1F-1111 | 46 days | P F Nicholls (70 miles) | Ruby Walsh | 2/ 9 | 6:07.70 |
Race Favourite Stats
| Year | Favourite Finish Position | Winner Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 6 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 | 6 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | 3 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 | 2 |
Race Record
| Distance | Record Time |
|---|---|
| 2m 7f 91y | 6:03.04 |