Bradford on Avon's Harry Findlay saw his horse Denman run a super race to finish second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The reigning champion was a 7/1 shot to repeat his triumph in last year's race after suffering heart problems earlier in the season.

But the nine-year-old put in an impressive showing to finish runner-up to record-breaking 7/4 favourite Kauto Star, who made history by becoming the first horse ever to win the race twice.

Both horses are trained by Paul Nicholls, who was understandably delighted with their displays.

He said: "Kauto Star is fit, he's fresh, he was never going to get beat today, but what a race Denman ran - two weeks ago you'd have drawn stumps. It was a huge run from him and he'll be back next year.

"Kauto Star was fresh, very fit and the ground came right. He's a very good horse.

"My Will finished fifth as well, he ran a blinder. He will go to Aintree now with a massive chance.

"Neptune Collonges (fourth) ran a cracking race, the ground had just gone against him.

"But to get Kauto Star here today and Denman to run as good as that will give everyone pleasure as well. What an unbelievable horse Kauto Star is."

Findlay, who co-owns Denman, was actually considering pulling him out of the race a few weeks ago until an impressive outing in training convinced him otherwise.

“He is a real character but he looked very happy and barring any accident, he will be a runner in the Gold Cup,” said the owner two weeks ago.

“I’m not sure there is any value in his price even now.

“But it’s always good when a champion gets the chance to retain his crown and that now looks like being the case.”