Be The Hero took full advantage of Seven Nation Army s fall at the last to land the opening two mile maiden hurdle in Fairyhouse.

Be The Hero led but was stalked throughout by well-backed 4/7 favourite Seven Nation Army.

The odds-on favourite moved closer after the third last and eased to the front, on the inner, at the penultimate hurdle.

He didn't shake off Be The Hero though, who was still battling away upsides him at the last, when Seven Nation Army crashed out.

Be The Hero (10/3) was left to come home clear by 22 lengths from Moonlit Theatre (12/1) and Duke Cass (14/1).

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: "It wasn't the strongest race and we were probably lucky with Henry's horse falling at the last but Bryan said he wasn't beaten and that he was staying going.

“I'd say he'll be a three-mile chaser next season and that was only a bonus.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson