De Benno made the most of his chance after getting in as first reserve to the Underwriting Exchange Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse. The grey clung on by head and a neck under Shane Shortall in the big field two and a half miler.

Owned and trained by Tipperary man James Grace, the ten-year-old Beneficial gelding was better at the last than Harvey Logan and Wilcos Mo Chara and that was an important factor in the victory.

"He was due that because last year he was there or thereabouts in seven or eight races — he was in first three — so thanks be to God he got there today," commented Grace.

"On Friday we did a bit of work with him and he was just a bit flat in himself but we said we'd take a chance when we got in and it all worked out.

"I thought it was maybe madness coming up on such a big day but thankfully it's worked out.

"Shane is a super jock and the horse never had as light a weight on his back. I'd say the horse thought he was running without anyone on his back.

"He's always carrying over eleven stone in chases."

(AM & EM)