Douvan shows why he might be king of kings

The aura of Willie Mullins’ armada stretches beyond the gates of Prestbury Park.

Parked alongside the main road into the Cheltenham track, tucked in behind the burger vans, the touts and the gamut of punters filing expectantly by, are the scores of horse boxes that have congregated from all corners of the UK, Ireland and further afield.

They all tell their own stories: smaller, older vehicles overshadowed by supersleek behemoths. Mullins has four of the latter stationed here: The sheer size of them in their dark green livery making their own imposing statement long before the prized occupants in the back get their chance.