Djakadam heads Durkan, Douvan off to Cork

Djakadam heads the five runners that have stood their ground for Sunday's John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown.

Willie Mullins' seven-year-old landed the Grade One contest at the County Kildare venue 12 months ago and backed up the run by finishing second to Don Cossack in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He is joined in the field by stable companions Black Hercules and Alelchi Inois, while Gordon Elliott will rely on Outlander after taking Clarcam and Roi Des Francs out on Friday morning.

The small field is completed by the Henry de Bromhead-trained Sub Lieutenant, who will be bidding for his third win of the season following his victories at Down Royal and Limerick.

Meanwhile, Douvan will face seven rivals when he makes his seasonal bow in the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork on the same afternoon.

Unbeaten in ten starts for Willie Mullins, Douvan had been entered in the John Durkan but connections have decided to send him to Cork where he will be sent off the very short-price favourite.

While Mullins has decided against running a second horse in the race, Gordon Elliott is double-handed with The Game Changer and Vukovar both standing their ground.

Henry de Bromhead will rely on Days Hotel, while Enda Bolger will saddle Aintree Grand National fourth Gilgamboa.

Mozoltov will represent Mouse Morris with Ludo Et Emergo and Fine Rightly completing the field.

Setanta Sports is now eir Sport. We have 6 great channels of live sport including eir Sport 1 & 2 and all 4 BT Sport channels. The eir Sport pack is free to all eir broadband customers. To learn more about setting sport free visit www.eir.ie/sport .