Douvan dominates in Leopardstown feature

Last season's Supreme Novices Hurdle winner Douvan maintained his unbeaten record over fences at Leopardstown today, with another easy win in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase, under substitute rider and Champion Amateur Jockey Patrick Mullins

The Willie Mullins trained son of Walk In The Park was today claiming his third Grade 1 race, and effortlessly beat off three capable rivals, headed by runner-up Sizing John

Mullins was a late call-up for the ride as declared jockey Paul Townend was stood down after partnering fourth-placed Beau Mome in the opening race on the card.

Amateur Mullins, who rides predominately in Bumpers, was also recording his first Grade 1 win over jumps having also steered five Grade 1 Bumper winners.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins was at Kempton but son and jockey Patrick later commented, "That's one of the best thrills that I've ever had; he was magnificent. He was clever at the last, and put in a short one whereas at Navan he went long at the last. He was just idling in front.

"He covers so much ground that you don't think you are going that quick. He's like a Ferrari!"

Mullins' representative David Casey added "Everything comes easy to Douvan, and it was an easy decision to go over fences with his size as he's built for fences and oozes class.

"It's about keeping the wheels on the bus now. He's a special horse."

The win was the third of the afternoon for trainer Willie Mullins and a second for Patrick Mullins.

Townend, who was having his first ride since taking a fall at Navan on December 13, is expected to be out of the saddle for around ten days.

Turf Club medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said, "Paul has a bone bruise on his right lower tibia which is still giving him some trouble. He will be out for about ten days but should be OK after that."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee