Douvan survived a slight scare at the third last to run out an effortless winner on the his return to action in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork this afternoon.

The 1/6 shot made all in the Grade Two contest and propelled himself into a healthy lead four from home after a fine leap.

He was untidy at the next but it didn’t make much impact with the superstar chaser soon easing clear of his rivals.

Paul Townend ’s mount got a little bit close to the last but didn’t have to come off the bridle to record a comprehensive 22-length win. Days Hotel stuck on to grab the runner-up spot and enhance his fine record in the race having been placed twice before and won back in 2012.

"He was awesome. He was a bit gassy early but it was his first run of the year and did everything right," said Townend.

"He was in front a long time and it (the mistake at the third last) probably opened his eyes for him and then winged the second last.

"I'm very very fortunate to be getting the ride when Ruby couldn't be here and thanks to Willie and Mr Ricci for the ride."

Mullins was at Punchestown, where he said of future plans: "The King George would not be in my plan at the moment. I'm happy enough to stick to that (two miles) this year."

Stable representative David Casey added:- “I was very impressed with him, anyway, for his first run of the year. We know what he can do, but I have to say I think it was right up there with what he has done before. It was a very, very good performance.

"Paul said he was hacking at all stages, he thought he went very slow. He has so much class, he felt he was going slow at all stages — that’s the feel the horse would give you. It must be an exciting feeling to ride him.

“He was just buzzy down to the first, but he’s obviously just fresh and well. He went and winged the first, landed in front, and he just left him there and felt he was idling away.

“It’s a perfect start to the season. It’s a great race to come and win, it’s a race we’ve had a lot of luck in, and we didn’t really want to take him across to England — we sent the other horse (Un De Sceaux) because he has more experience.

“For his first step out of novice company, I thought it was a very impressive performance."

On the prospect of stepping up in trip he added:-

“I don’t know. It’s for Willie, Rich and Ruby and Paul to decide. They’ll have a chat, and all options are open to him because he’s entered in all those races, but what he did today you’d be very impressed with him.”

Paddy Power make Douvan a 4/9 shot from 4/7 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)

Magnificent 7 - Douvan makes it seven wins from seven starts over fences with a winning return at @corkracecourse: https://t.co/j5s2wvchyB

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 11, 2016