18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Mullins: 'Douvan could be the best I have had'

DouvanDouvan
© Photo Healy Racing

Douvan still has some way to go to equal the achievements of Hurricane Fly, but Willie Mullins feels he could be the one horse who ends up even surpassing the legendary hurdler.

With an incredible 22 Grade One wins on Hurricane Fly's record it will take something special for Douvan to match him.

But he is set to be one of the shortest-priced favourites at the Festival in recent years when he lines up in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase in a little over two weeks.

Douvan already has two Festival wins to his name, in the Supreme and the Arkle, but this will be his first race at the big meeting outside of novice company.

"Douvan is in good order. Everything has gone well. At this stage, we are just trying to get there in one piece," said Mullins.

"When you are going to Cheltenham with a favourite like Douvan, it is relief rather than joy when they win.

"When you have a 25-1 winner, that isn't expected, that is joy. There is fair bit of expectation with Douvan so you just want to keep him right and get there.

"I have said what I think of him. He could be the best I have had, although he has long way to go and has to get past Hurricane Fly, who did what he did.

"The bar is high for him, but we will see."