Denman's part-owner Harry Findlay vowed to be back for more next year after his horse's valiant second to stablemate Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

After well-documented heart problems and an ordinary prep run at Kempton, the 2008 champion was unfancied at 8-1 but ran with much more vigour.

Trainer Paul Nicholls had been much happier with Denman's progress in the last couple of weeks, and Findlay reckoned with a clear run through, he too could regain the title in the pair's third clash.

He said: "He's back! It was so hard for us going into the race because we've said many times there is only one way to beat Kauto round here and we were never in a position to do that today.

"Like Paul said, two weeks ago we were a doubtful runner. I said two years ago I thought the pace of the race in the Gold Cup was so beneficial to Kauto Star, and after a few fences today I thought he was a 4-7 shot.

"So for Denman to run so well off that pace - he's murdered them everywhere because they were genuinely going at two-and-a-half-mile pace throughout.

"I thought it was an outstanding performance, Sam (Thomas) was so happy with him, we were all so happy with him.

"I watch things as a gambler, not an owner, and my immediate reaction was that he'd be a great punt for next year and hopefully there'll be no problems with Denman now and we can have the decider next year.

"They could go off at 6-4 each. It would be so good for racing so with Ruby (Walsh) on Kauto and Sam on Denman, if Paul gets them both back again it could be fireworks."

Nicholls added: "My big fear was that I didn't want to see Denman run moderately or to see anything happen to him.

"He schooled two weeks ago and both Sam and I were shocked at how badly he went. I turned to (other part-owner) Paul Barber and said I thought we were in trouble, but he turned the corner and has run an amazing race.

"We will give him a him a good summer out now and he will be a force to be reckoned with next year.

"It is too soon to make decisions now. There was talk of him going to France but he has gone a little bit light and if Paul and Harry agree we will probably leave him and get him back for next year."

Nicholls had others to fill the first five placings.

He continued: "Neptune Collonges has run a blinder in fourth. He has just been done for toe a little and this track and ground don't suit him ideally. He loves those big galloping tracks like Leopardstown and Punchestown.

"My Will ran a fantastic race in fifth, and that was a great Grand National trial. That will be something to look forward to."

Any thoughts of a Royal winner proved fanciful as Barbers Shop was among many to struggle against the Nicholls tide.

The Queen's presence at Prestbury Park prompted even more interest than usual on a special occasion and patriotic support saw the gelding sent off at 10-1 despite his inexperience.

He went well for a long way before weakening into seventh.

Trainer Nicky Henderson reflected: "He jumped and travelled well, I just suspect he's still a little weak. I don't see why he can't be back here next year with more time behind him."

Like so many times before, Exotic Dancer was defeated by his old enemy Kauto Star but has another Gold Cup place to his name by finishing third.

Jonjo O'Neill is now eyeing a crack at the National, although he would have to shoulder 11st 10lb at Aintree.

O'Neill said: "I think we should run him in the National as it may well suit him.

"Touch wood, he would jump and travel well round there and as he likes passing horses, that would also favour him and I think we are well-in."

Roll Along plugged on to be sixth, with Denman's Kempton conqueror Madison Du Berlais eighth and Nicholls' other challenger Star De Mohaison last of the 13 finishers.