On-looking Walsh delighted with Douvan Douvan impressed Ruby Walsh in winning the Hilly Way at Cork with the champion jockey watching on from Punchestown. With Walsh choosing to partner Djakadam in the John Durkan instead, Paul Townend stepped in for the ride on the unbeaten chaser, having his first run out of novice company. Giving weight away to all of his rivals, Douvan never came out of third gear. "Douvan was impressive when winning the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase under Paul Townend at Cork on Sunday. Everyone was delighted with him," Walsh told Racing UK. "On television it might have looked like he was quite buzzy and they were going a really good gallop, but Paul always felt he was well in control. Douvan jumped well on whole and, having his first run out of novice company, it was a good starting point for him. "The ratings suggested he would win and that's what he did - but you would have to be impressed with the manner in which he did it. "His homework has been good and, fingers crossed, he can build on that. It was a was a Grade Two and I imagine his next outing will be in a Grade One. It will be onwards and upwards."
