Emmet Mullins, now down to claiming 3Ibs after thirty winners, looked assured of victory on John 'Shark' Hanlon's Melon Delta when the chestnut took a crashing fall at the final fence in the Templemore Beginners Chase handing victory to the Andrew Leigh-partnered Merveilles from the in-form Jessica Harrington-yard.
The son of Vettori, returning from a 176 day break, was then always going to hold Earth Magic who came home well in first-time blinkers.
Mrs Harrington, who withdrew Quartino from this contest due to ground conditions, said: "I don't think he'd have won if the other horse stood up but they are there to be jumped. We were a bit fed up with him last year as any time he ran it was soft and he can't go on that. He jumps well and if it's a dry summer he may do well and we'll mix it with him to keep him amused. He has to come from behind as he idles in front." (EM)
