Lame Douvan set for scans as Mullins fears ligament tear or stress fracture

Douvan was a notable omission from the string of stars paraded in front of the media at the launch of the new jumps season at Willie Mullins' Closutton stable on Wednesday morning after the trainer revealed the two-time Cheltenham Festival winner was lame.

Mullins said it could be a tiny ligament tear or small stress fracture, but the trainer would not know the prognosis for a a day or two until the eight-year-old was fully scanned.

The good news, which is keeping Mullins positive, is that the lameness is on what he calls his "good leg."

Douvan and Ruby Walsh in action at PunchestownCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Mullins said: "Douvan was lame the other morning when we pulled him out and I just sent him up to his usual vet. He informed me this morning that he is actually lame on his good leg.

"He had problems before on his near fore but he says he is actually sore on his other leg this time. He is going to x-ray and scan him today."

He added: "There is nothing obvious that he can see on it. It might be a tiny ligament tear or small stress fracture but he can't feel it with his hands so he will go through the usual tests.

"Obviously when any good horses goes lame, it is a concern but we will know in a day or two when all the tests are done. Hopefully it is only something that will keep him out for a few days."

Ladbrokes reacted to the news by pushing Douvan out to 14-1 from 10-1 for the Champion Chase.

"It is a pity as Rich [Ricci] was over last week and he was delighted by how he looked and the plan was to extend him out in trip this season. Hopefully it [the injury] is nothing too serious and he will be fine."

The eight-year-old, who fell in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March, finished last season by chasing home Un De Sceaux at Punchestown.

Penhill was also missing from the morning workout and Mullins revealed the Stayers Hurdle winner is unlikely to be seen before Christmas.

"Penhill is fine and better than he was this time last year. You might not see him this side of Christmas but that's no problem. He will be geared towards Cheltenham once again," Mullins said.

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