Denman could miss this year’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury (29 November) due to an irregular heartbeat.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was reported to have been very lethargic recently and to have lost weight rapidly.
Denman saw the vet yesterday (18 September) and was found to have an irregular heartbeat.
Trainer Paul Nicholls said that it was unlikely that Denman will be ready to race in the Hennessy but should be back by Christmas.
Paul told H&H: “Denman is fine, he’s going to Newmarket on Monday for a few days to see Celia Marr at Rossdales Practice and it’s a matter of correcting the problem. Though it will mean he will miss the Hennessy.
“I’m not worried about that though, I want to have him in good health for later in the season.”