Lossiemouth swept home to win the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, as Constitution Hill left onlookers stunned again with another fall.
Nicky Henderson's superstar was the even-money favourite to put his shock Champion Hurdle spill from Cheltenham firmly behind him, and after a smooth passage through the early stages he looked on track to do so.
Nico de Boinville had found himself boxed in approaching the penultimate flight, however, where both horse and rider hit the floor, as Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth powered to the lead to score at 5-4 under Paul Townend from Wodhooh.
A gracious Mullins said: "I was disappointed for Michael (Buckley, owner), Nicky and Nico and the connections of Constitution Hill – and for racing.
"We came here knowing our mare was in good shape and we thought the (two-and-a-half-mile) trip would suit us this time (rather than two miles at Kempton), but we never got to find out.
"When Paul made his move it has eventually paid off, but I was wondering had he done it too soon.
"Nico has a great habit of looking like he is under pressure and then finding another bit in the last furlong. A couple of times we’ve thought we had Nico beat and he’s actually got a little bit up his sleeve, so I did wonder if Paul had played his cards too early, but it was gifted to him so what could he do."
He added: "I’d imagine we’ll go to Punchestown now as long as she comes out of this all right, that’s our normal plan.
"I’m not getting into if she runs in the Champion or Mares’ though! State Man will be going for the Champion so we’ll probably keep them apart."
