The Joe Murphy owned and trained Vert De Grece got up in the nick of time as he justified 5/4 favouritism in the opener at Leopardstown this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden.

The son of Verglas ran a fine race on his debut over the course and distance in June, finishing just half a length second to Convergence.

He since missed three engagements but back in action this evening he was settled in second under Gary Carroll as Hail The Hero attempted to make all.

A furlong out it looked as if the Aidan O’Brien trained colt was going to fend off the favourite however the victorious grey got going in the closing stages getting up to score by a neck.

Hail The Hero had to settle for second under Joseph O’Brien (9/2 to 11/2 on-course), while debutant Park Rebel was a further six lengths back in third under Chris Hayes for Paul Deegan at 10/1.

Joe Murphy said afterwards: “Coming here I thought he would win easier. Gary felt that there is more improvement in him. It’s so long since he has run.

"He is a nice horse and he’ll head for the Furturity now on the 24th. He’ll have no problem in getting a mile. I wouldn’t have minded another furlong the way things went today."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson