Ruby Walsh hailed Douvan's "huge amount of natural ability" after his commanding Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy victory at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.
Douvan fully justified his status as heavy favourite with a thoroughly convincing win for Walsh and Willie Mullins, eventually coming home seven lengths clear of runner-up Sizing John .
After stablemate Min was denied by Altior the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, it was a hefty consolation for trainer and jockey.
"Willie is not one to jump up and down and roar about horses but he's never hidden what kind of regard he holds this fella in," Walsh said afterwards.
"I was never afraid of getting beaten in a sprint either, he just has so many gears."
"He does everything so easy at home, he's a brilliant work horse, he's a brilliant mentality. He's just so clever to jump. He makes fences feel as though you're jumping hurdles.
"He only ever lifts his shoulders and his front end, his back end stays flat. He doesn't waste any time in the air. He just has a huge amount of natural ability.
"I was actually thinking halfway down the hill, 'Jesus you haven't gone half fast enough here'. But I was never afraid of getting beaten in a sprint either, he just has so many gears.
"It's only his fourth run. You'd imagine he'll run again in Punchestown and once he's okay he'll be five and then he has to get into the man's world out of novice company. But he's an exciting horse."
Of Min's defeat, Walsh admitted he simply came up against a special talent and an outstanding ride.
"I'd no excuses, I got a lovely lead. I jumped the second last and went quick into the bend but Altior just appeared and was gone in two strides. The winner was very, very good."
