More brilliance from Douvan

Douvan a brilliant winner of the Arkle, easily collected another Grade One prize in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.

Willie Mullins' brilliant youngster was sent off at just 2/13 to supplement his Cheltenham Festival gains in a contest that lacked the same depth as last month's prize.

He was content to take a lead from Alisier d'Irlande through the first three quarters of the race and wasn't at his brilliant best over some of the early obstacles but soon warmed to his task.

Paul Townend allowed him to stride on as they turned for home with the Alisier d'Irlande quickly backing out of things. The Game Changer was the only rival to emerge from the pack to try and give chase but Douvan never came off the bridle in winning by a 14 length margin which could easily have been doubled by a shake of the reins.

Townend, standing in for the injured Ruby Walsh, said: "That was some experience. I was doing a half-speed everywhere.

"He had a little look between the last two (fences), I gave him a squeeze and I've never felt anything pick up like it. I had so much horse underneath me.

"It's unbelievable the firepower Willie Mullins has and I'm very fortunate to be in the position I am, to step in when Ruby (Walsh) had the misfortune like he had yesterday.

"He has so much natural ability and for a big horse he's very clever. He's a gent to do anything with at home - he's a big, friendly giant. He covers so much ground and does everything so easy.

"He's a proper horse."

Mullins said: "I wasn't happy with his jumping early, but that's probably because he was travelling too easy. He wasn't clean enough (at his fences) until Paul sent him on.

"It was hard on Paul riding him for the first time in a race like this. Knowing that there was a front-runner that was likely to go on, Paul had to balance it, but he got it right.

"Paul said he couldn't believe how much he lengthened when he let out an inch of rein. I've told everyone before that I've never seen a horse like him on the gallops. He's never been off the bridle.

"I'd love to go to Punchestown with him, but we'll just have to see. It might not be fair on the horse.

"Everything is open. He could step up in trip next year."

Gordon Elliott said of The Game Changer: "Douvan was different class, but we are very pleased with the way our horse ran."

Third home was Fox Norton for Neill Mulholland, who said: "He's had a great year, with thirds in two Grade Ones and a second in a Grade Two, but as he came in early I think we will call it a day for the season."