Douvan on Ryanair runway

OWNER Rich Ricci threw the Ryanair Chase ante-post market into confusion yesterday when he announced he was strongly considering switching Douvan from the Champion Chase to the Ryanair.

The latter has been the long-term target for last year’s winner and Douvan stablemate Un De Sceaux, who has been strongly backed for the race in recent days and was trading as low as evens yesterday morning.

But following Ricci’s remarks, Ladbrokes eased Un De Sceaux out to 5-4 and cut Douvan from 4s to 5-2. Ricci said yesterday: “Douvan coming back at all is a massive ask, particularly in a red-hot Champion Chase. “But the Ryanair has cut up fairly badly and we just thought it was worth considering going a different route.

“We’ve got until tomorrow to change our minds. But I would be leaning towards the Ryanair, which would still be a big ask for Douvan.”

Willie Mullins trains both Douvan and Un De Sceaux.

Don’t bet without The Scout at Cheltenham. He went through the card last month at a staggering 9,437-1 and heads the National Press Challenge with more than 400 winners this year.