AIR QUALITY
Douvan could take on Un De Sceaux in thrilling Ryanair clash
DOUVAN could sidestep Wednesday’s Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham for a mouthwatering clash with stablemate Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair Chase the following day.
The Willie Mullinstrained superstar, unraced since his flop at 2-9 in the Champion Chase 12 months ago, was expected to line up alongside another stablemate Min against hot favourite Altior in the Betway-sponsored two-miler.
But Rich Ricci (below), who owns both horses, yesterday admitted the pair could be handed separate assignments.
“If Douvan came back in the Champion Chase, I guess the temptation would be to ask Willie why we’re running Min,” Ricci said.
“The Ryanair has cut up a bit, and although it would still be a big ask to take on the reigning champion Un De Sceaux, it’s worth considering.
“It’s no secret I like to keep my horses apart if I can.
“Why fire two bullets at the same race if you don’t have to?
“I had a chat with Willie and we agreed we will sleep on it and then come to a decision at the beginning of this week.”
If the clash between Un De Sceaux, winner of last year’s Ryanair Chase and Douvan goes ahead, it would present jockey Ruby Walsh with a poser.
Asked which horse he would favour if the pair crossed swords, Walsh – on board Un De Sceaux last year – responded: “It depends on what the ground is like. Maybe softer for Un De Sceaux.
“But they’re two great horses and it wouldn’t be an easy choice between them.”
Following the news of a possible switch, Ladbrokes cut Douvan to 5-2 (from 4-1) for the Ryanair Chase, pushing the reigning champion out to 5-4 from even money.
“If Douvan is confirmed for the Ryanair Chase, we would expect his odds to shorten further,” said the Magic Sign’s Nicola Mcgeady yesterday.