It was an intriguing renewal of the Lexus Grade 1 Chase with English raider What A Friend from the Paul Nicholls stable coming home in front under Sam Thomas.

Thomas asked his mount to close entering the straight and was on terms with the leader Joncol jumping the last.

Thomas had to work hard to lead on the run-in and kept on well to hold off the fast finishing Money Trix from the Nicky Richards stable by half a length.

Winning jockey Sam Thomas said afterwards: “He seems to be getting better. I think he was a bit over-looked today if anything.”

“Take Denman out and he was going to be a good winner of the Hennessy. He’ll be a lot better on better ground.”

“I think he’s still improving. He jumped the last brilliantly and that made all the difference as it’s a long run in and he dug deep.”

“It just goes to show you how much of a good horse Denman really is.”

Paddy Power have cut What A Friend from 33/1 to 20/1 for the Cheltenham 2010 Gold Cup.

Davy Russell picked up a two-day suspension for his use of the whip aboard the runner-up.