Prognosis good for Douvan as 'small stress fracture' detected

Douvan has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his pelvis following his disappointing run in Wednesday's Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old saw his 14-race unbeaten streak ended in no uncertain terms as he trailed home seventh behind Special Tiara as the 2-9 favourite for the two-mile feature.Mullins immediately thought something was physically amiss with his charge and owner Rich Ricci has confirmed an injury has been detected following scans.He said: "He's got a small stress fracture in his ilium (pelvis), but the prognosis is excellent. It was discovered today and at least we have an explanation for the run."Mullins also expects Douvan to make a full recovery, with sufficient rest.He said: "He will need a period of time standing in (his box), then a summer's grass and he should be fine."