HE was beaten at long odds on his Irish debut and he may have had to work to land the odds at Limerick last month, but Five O’Clock showed just what he can do in landing the Grade 3 Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle.

A fourth winner of this race for Willie Mullins, who took the inaugural running back in 2004, the Susannah Ricci-owned Five O’Clock was stepping up markedly in class for this two-and-a-half-mile affair. Paul Townend opted for stablemate Drury. However, this assignment brought about by far Five O’Clock’s best effort since he arrived in Ireland. The 7/1 chance loomed up menacingly on the outer for Danny Mullins turning for home and took control of the race before the last en route to defeating Front View by six lengths.