Cheltenham Gold Cup winner

Rivals in the Stable: Kauto Star vs. Denman at the Cheltenham Gold Cup

In the quiet stables of Ditcheat, England, two of the greatest steeplechasers in modern history stood side by side—Kauto Star and Denman—both trained under the watchful eye of Paul Nicholls. Though they were stablemates, they were also fierce competitors, preparing to battle for glory in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kauto Star, the reigning champion, had already cemented his place as a legend, known for his remarkable speed and agility. But in the box next door was Denman, the powerhouse known for his relentless stamina and strength, ready to challenge his companion-turned-rival for the title.

The Cheltenham Festival, set to begin on March 11, 2008, promised an electrifying showdown between the two. Fans eagerly anticipated this clash, knowing that the rivalry between Kauto Star and Denman was not just a competition but a defining moment in jump racing history. Would Kauto Star defend his crown, or would Denman seize victory and stake his claim as the new king of Cheltenham?

Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star, right, is seen with stablemate Denman, left, and their trainer Paul Nicholls at their stables in Ditcheat, England, Feb. 20, 2008. Kauto Star knows his biggest rival very well as he aims to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second year in a row. Denman not only comes from the same Paul Nicholls stable but also lives in the box next door. The Kauto Star-Denman matchup is the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival, a four-day meet which starts Tuesday, March 11, 2008 and brings together the best jumpers in the sport. (AP Photo/Alan Crowhurst)