Paul Nicholls compares Bravemansgame to Denman after impressive Challow Hurdle win at Newbury

[ASFN Admin]

Paul Nicholls is not in a habit of comparing horses to the mighty Denman, winner of a Gold Cup and two Hennessy Gold Cups, but the trainer had little hesitation in likening Bravemansgame to ‘The Tank’ when the five-year-old won the Mansionbet Challow Hurdle at Newbury on Tuesday. Denman was Nicholls’ last winner of the Challow and Bravemansgame, who cost owners John Dance and Bryan Drew £370,000 after winning a four-year-old maiden point-to-point in Ireland, won it in similar style beating the previously unbeaten Star Gate by 10 lengths. “It’s the first time since Denman we’ve really had anything to compare with him,” said Nicholls for whom it was a 99th winner of the season. “He’s the same sort – in fact he’s probably got more boot than Denman at this stage.” He added: “He’ll be going to Cheltenham for the Ballymore (Denman was second in it), it’s just whether we give him a run first. There’ll be plenty of good Irish horses there. But if Cheltenham’s exciting, it’ll be even more exciting when he goes chasing. “He’ll get three miles in time, he’s a big, scopey horse and a relentless galloper. He’s my type of horse. He’ll definitely be a better chaser.”

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