Douvan reaches for the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
Supreme Novices Hurdle winner Douvan made a winning chase debut in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase at Navan today and while his jumping was assured, did survive a heart-stopping moment jumping the final fence.
The 2/11 favourite and Willie Mullins trained star novice hurdler of 2014/15, was again ridden to victory by Ruby Walsh and while his jumping was confident, was particularly 'long' at the final fence. He then beat Rogue Trader on the bridle.
That minor final fence error failed to take the shine off a very favourable chase debut and afterwards Mullins stated "he took a bit of a chance at the last and Ruby said he was a bit revved up when he heard the other horse coming.
"He stood off too far back but I'm delighted that he knew what to do.
"I'd imagine that he'll go for the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown. He was fairly well forward but he's a big, angular horse and doesn't carry a lot of condition.
"Ruby wanted to go on and make his own pace. I don't know if that race tells us a lot other than he can jump fences."
Paddy Power left Douvan unchanged at 2/1 for the Arkle Chase while Betfair Sportsbook and BoyleSports cut him to 6/4 and 5/4 respectively.
By Tom Weekes quotes from Alan Magee
