Douvan takes Cashcard Chase at Leopardstown

Douvan produced his usual commanding display to easily take the Paddy Power Cashcard Chase at Leopardstown.

The short-odds favourite - who has yet to be beaten in any race - made his move two from home, easily burning his rivals and was able to cruise tp another straightforward victory.

Sizing John produced a late surge to pass Sizing Ned and snatch second place - he was also second to Douvan in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham - with the latter holding on for third.

Ruby Walsh partnered Douvan again and afterwards he was effusive in his praise for the 4/7 favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March.

"He's a very good horse," he said. "He settled really well and jumped super.

"Alisier D'Irlande brought us a really good gallop. I cruised up to him over the second-last and he didn't do a whole pile then. I got a bit close to the last, but horses have to learn how to get themselves out of those situations.

"He just has a huge amount of ability. In time you probably could (step up in trip), but [trainer] Willie [Mullins] is very conscious of developing these horses' careers and going the right way about it.

"Douvan is still a very young horse, he has a lot of racing in front of him."

Mullins paid tribute to Douvan afterwards but admitted he had no concrete plans for his next ride.

"Every time a horse like that runs I have my heart in my mouth," he said. "He did what we hoped and we didn't learn anything new.

"He's got spectacular scope and anyone that rides him just says he has a different gear. All the others around you are paddling looking to go faster while you are sitting on him.

"He just has a huge stride and does it effortlessly.

"My main aim now will just be to keep him sound and keep him well. His ability should carry him through most of what's ahead, I hope.

"He's a lovely horse in the stable and a kid could lead him up in the yard. He has a beautiful temperament and he's got such size.

"When you stand in to him you have to look up to him - you don't realise it.

"He's a well put together horse and when they are well put together they look smaller than they are and then you stand into them and you see how huge they are. He's one of the biggest we've ever had.

"He would be potentially the best steeplechaser or horse we've had. It's hard to see us having one better than Hurricane Fly, but he never jumped a fence

"I'm hoping this fellow will do more over fences than anything we've ever had. He has huge potential.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he stays sound and we'll stay on the two-mile route as long as we can anyway.

"I don't plan these things. When the horse is sound going home then I look.

"We'll maybe look at the Tied Cottage [at Punchestown]. We'll look nearer home than having to travel anyway.

"Like a lot of my horses I was wondering was he the same Douvan in his first few bits of work this year. I wasn't at all impressed with him.

"He has a new rider now with Holly [Conte] riding him instead of Gail [Carlisle]. Holly rode him work differently. I asked her to talk to Gail about him and she did. Things just improved from there."

eir Sport channels are available across the eir Vision, Sky and Vodafone TV platforms as well as on the eir Sport app. All 6 channels in the eir Sport pack are available for free if you are a residential eir broadband customer.