Wednesday 24 May 2017

Dual Cheltenham Festival winner Douvan crowned best chaser of 16/17 season

Cheltenham Festival legend Douvan has been named the highest rated National Hunt chaser by the BHA.

Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old was given a mark of 174 by the handicapper, 5lb higher than last year.

The two-time Festival winner looked different class when picking up pattern prizes in native Ireland, but sustained an injury when seventh in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The late Many Clouds was given a mark of 171 after victory in the Cotsworld Chase in January.

Oliver Sherwood's Hennessy winner suffered a fatal injury following the race.

The former Grand National winner is rated 1lb higher than King George winner Thistlecrack.

Colin Tizzard's nine-year-old was a notable absentee from the Cheltenham Festival, and shares favouritism to claim the Gold Cup in March.

Altior was an impressive winner of the Arkle, his second Festival success in as many years.

Arkle winner Altior shared the 170 mark, after an incredible season for Nicky Henderson.

The six-year-old secured six successive victories this season, with three at Grade One level. He is the antepost favourite to topple Douvan in the Queen Mother at the Festival in March.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John was handed a mark of 169, 8lb less than Don Cossack’s mark last year. Colin Tizzard’s Fox Norton shared that mark following his win at Aintree.

The popular Cue Card and Ryanair Winner Un De Sceaux were both rated 168, along with Irish National winner Our Duke.

Grand National winner The Last Samuri is rated 159 after his Aintree success.

Mark
Horse (s)
174
Douvan
171
Many Clouds
170
Thistlecrack, Altior
169
Sizing John, Fox Norton
168
Our Duke, Cue Card, Un de Sceaux
167
Special Tiara
166
Minella Rocco, Native River, Outlander, Djakadam, God’s Own

RSA Chase winner, and leading 2018 Gold Cup fancy, Might Bite has been given a mark of 162 for Nicky Henderson.

Former Gold Cup winners Coneygree is rated 165, and 2014 champion Lord Windermere is on a mark of 144.

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