Black Hercules and Ruby Walsh come down to leave Measureofmydreams and Paul Townend to score© Photo Healy Racing
To his credit Measureofmydreams was sticking reasonably well to Black Hercules going to the last, but he was presented with the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan when the latter came to grief at the final obstacle.
The best sight of the day was to see Ruby Walsh leading Black Hercules back after his tumble, which came about when he got in too close, hitting the fence and giving himself no chance of staying upright.
Four to eleven chance Black Hercules had been pretty much faultless throughout the three miler and seemed to be going on for his win until his departure.
Measureofmydreams (Paul Townend), trained like Black Hercules, by Willie Mullins, was then left to come home by five lengths from Noble Endeavor
The win was bringing up a double for Mullins after his earlier success with Sambremont Owners Gigginstown House Stud were also on the mark for the second time after their win in the 3.30 with Nickname Exit
"We'll see what the owners want to do and he'd prefer better ground," said Mullins.
"Pleasant Company (third home) ran a nice race, and the four-miler will be his race if he goes to Cheltenham.
"Black Hercules was running a great race until what happened happened. He seems to be okay."
In ante-post news for the RSA Chase Black Hercules is 16/1 unchanged with BoyleSports. Measureofmydreams is 33/1 (from 66/1).
For the NH Chase Black Hercules is 7/2 (unchanged) with both BoyleSports & Paddy Power; 11/4 unchanged Ladbrokes too.
For the same race Measureofmydreams is 20/1 (from 33/1) BoyleSports, 16/1 (from 33/1) Ladbrokes & 14/1 (from 33/1) Paddy Power.
Meanwhile on Annie Power Mullins said: "I think she will run at Punchestown (Wednesday). I'm happy enough with her, and she's been working nicely."
(AM & EM)
