Cheltenham Gold Cup winning horse Denman has died aged 18

Denman won the 2008 Gold Cup race at Cheltenham festival. Credit: PA Images

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman has been put to sleep after falling ill.

The 18-year-old horse won the famous race at Cheltenham Festival in 2008.

Denman achieved second place in a further three Gold Cup races.

Denman was trained by Paul Nicholls. Credit: PA Images

Denman's owner Paul Barber made the decision to put him to sleep after seeing the horse deteriorate in the past few days.

The horse was trained by Paul Nicholls who took him to victory in 2008.