Willie eyes Douvan switch

TRAINER Willie Mullins looks like switching Douvan to face stablemate Un De Sceaux in Thursday’s 2m 5f Ryanair Chase. That leaves fellow Rich Ricciowned stablemate Min to take on favourite Altior in the two-mile Champion Chase. A run in the Ryanair would be the first time Douvan has raced over more than two miles but Ricci said it may be an easier option. Douvan has not run since losing his unbeaten record in last season’s Champion Chase when sustaining a pelvic injury. Ricci’s 2015 winner Faugheen will wear cheekpieces for the first time in tomorrow’s Champion Hurdle, in which he will be ridden by Ruby Walsh. CHELTENHAM clerk of the course Simon Claisse conceded it was a possibility that the going for the opening day of the meeting could be heavy with 11mm of rain still to fall on ground described as soft (heavy in places). It is already the softest ground for the start of the Festival for almost 25 years. Claisse added it is unlikely the ground will dry out before Gold Cup day on Friday.