Ruby Walsh conjured a late rally out of Back In Focus to deny Aupcharlie as Willie Mullins claimed a one-two in the Topaz Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
The strong-travelling Aupcharlie was going the better on the run to the final fence but he pecked slightly on landing and could not pull far enough clear of his nearest pursuer.
Walsh kept at the Graham Wylie-owned seven-year-old on the long run-in and the 6-4 favourite battled on bravely to get up close home to score by a head. Texas Jack was third.
Mount Benbulben was pulled up after making a bad mistake as the field went out for the final circuit while Tony McCoy's partner Jenari fell at the following fence and Lyreen Legend came down three out.
Back In Focus is unchanged at 14-1 for the RSA chase at Cheltenham.
