The eight-time Group One winner won in commanding fashion at Clonmel.
Douvan made a stunning return to the racetrack this afternoon in the Clonmel Oil Chase.
The nine-year-old was coming off a 569 day break but looked in rude health as he won under Paul Townend with ease.
He was 33/1 for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but after crossing the line he has been cut into as short as 7/1.
With punters unsure where Willie Mullins’ horse may go they have also been quick to get their money down for the Champion Chase too.
Again, he was 33/1 but is now as short 10/1 for the big chase on the second day of the Festival.
He was hammered in late in the betting today with money pouring in for the eight-time Group One winner and he ended up going off at an SP of 4/5.
It was hard not to be impressed with his engine as he ran away with the contest. His jumping was not entirely fluent but that would be expected after such a long layoff.
He should only improve for today and racing fans will be licking their lips at the thought that Douvan could get somewhere back to his scintillating best.
