Douvan could return to action at Punchestown on Tuesday

Douvan, at one time one of the brightest lights in Willie Mullins’ star-filled yard, could make a belated return to action in the BoyleSports Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday.

The nine-year-old has not run since finishing second to stablemate Un De Sceaux in the same Grade 1 event a year ago, and is around an 8-1 chance to make a victorious comeback.

His trainer said on Wednesday: “We’re happy enough with Douvan and we’re thinking of running him on Tuesday.

“We’ll see what the situation is with the ground and weather before the final declaration stage.

"It would be a big ask to expect him to win after his long absence but we might let him take his chance. We'll have other runners in the race but he could be part of our team."

Willie Mullins: has a powerful entry in the BoyleSports Champion Chase on TuesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Un De Sceaux, Min, the 20-length winner of the JLT Melling Chase at Aintree on his most recent start, Topham Chase winner Cadmium, Footpad and Great Field are Mullins' other entries for the highlight of the first day of the Punchestown festival, with the forfeit stage on Thursday.

Douvan, a nine-time winner – including six times at Grade 1 level – over fences, Douvan ran only twice last season and in December Mullins indicated he was unlikely to return this season due to a lesion on a tendon at the back of his pastern.

Min is favourite for Tuesday's race at 4-5, with Un De Sceaux best at 9-2 with the race sponsor.

Samcro, meanwhile, will not be in Gordon Elliott's team for Punchestown.

The seven-year-old has not run since disappointing in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown in December. Subsequently found to be suffering from a lung infection, Samcro is entered for the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle and Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle next week.

Apple's Jade: a definite runner at Punchestown but connections have yet to decide which raceCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

However, Eddie O'Leary, spokesman for owners Gigginstown House Stud, said: "The shoes are off Samcro and he won't be seen until later in the year, when he'll go over fences."

Apple's Jade, a close third in the Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree earlier this month, is an intended runner at Punchestown, according to O'Leary, who said of the ten-time Grade 1 winner: "Apple's Jade will be on our team next week, although we haven't decided whether she'll go for the Grade 1 Stayers or the Grade 1 two-miler."

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