Darasso puts in a good jump at the final flight© Photo Healy Racing
Darasso took full advantage of Flooring Porter s fall to land the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle in Navan.
The 4/1 shot was held up in rear by Luke Dempsey and made progress coming to the third last.
Danny Mullins got a breather into front-running Flooring Porter approaching that flight and the pair rolled down the hill closely attended by Grand Roi and Davy Russell.
Flooring Porter took off took early at the penultimate obstacle and fell handing the initiative to Grand Roi.
Darasso got a scent of victory and soon raced onto the heels of Grand Roi before getting his head in front coming to the last.
He jumped his nimbly and forged on well to take the honours by a healthy six lengths for Joseph O'Brien. Sire Du Berlais (3/1) came through for second from Grand Roi.
“He's been very consistent all year, run some good races, so it was nice to see him back again in front,” said Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus.
“He's in the Morgiana next weekend and we'll see how he is during the week, he doesn't mind pulling out quick. If he is in good form we might have a shot at it.
“He's probably not good enough for the Grade Ones but he could pick up a bit of prize money, he never runs a bad race.”
Dempsey said: "It was a very good performance. He likes that good ground and he did it nicely in the end. He's been on the go all summer and the others haven't so that helped him. He had a fitness edge.”
When asked if he thought he has Flooring Porter covered he added: "I'm not sure whether he had me beaten or not, to be perfectly honest with you. I was coming with my run at the time and I felt I had plenty of horse left. He did it nicely. He's a right little horse.
"We went very quick, there was no hanging about. I was riding my lad to run well and pick up whatever I could. When they went so quick early on, I knew it would play into my hands.”
Paddy Power gave Darasso a first show of 40/1 for the Stayers' Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
