Denman to face War at Punchestown

Racing: Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winners War of Attrition and Denman go head-to-head in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown…

Racing:Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winners War of Attrition and Denman go head-to-head in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown tomorrow. The top-billing duo will face 10 rivals at the Co Kildare track.

Denman returned to something like his best form when runner-up for the second year running at Cheltenham last month.

Notre Pere, who took this race 12 months ago, goes again for Jim Dreaper, while Willie Mullins is double-handed with Cooldine and J’y Vole.

Paul Nolan saddles Joncol, with Follow The Plan, Tranquil Sea and the Dessie Hughes-trained pair of Rare Bob and Siegemaster also engaged.

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The Queen’s Barbers Shop, trained by Nicky Henderson, and Philip Hobbs’ Planet Of Sound join Paul Nicholls and Denman in making the trip from England.

The three withdrawals at the overnight stage were Master Medic, Royal County Star and Miss Mitch.