On previous performance, on pedigree (a half-brother to Celestial Gold, Hennessy Gold Cup hero of 2004) and the market (7/4 into 5/4) suggested that Fiveforthree would have no problem stepping up to three miles for the first time and the grey fairly lived up to his billing when landing the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle in great style, accounting for Pettifour by seven lengths.
Fiveforthree made strong ground before the straight to go third travelling best, he led before the last and stayed on well under pressure on the run-in to make sure of victory. The win brought the Willie Mullins score for the week to six and the same for Ruby. Walsh has now ridden three Grade 1 winners (Master Minded and Hurricane Fly on Tuesday to add to this one) and Mullins trained two (Hurricane Fly and Fiveforthree).
Mullins said: "He got a bit wound up when we were saddling him but the trip proved no problem. He was held up with little niggling problems but it might have all worked out for the best as this time last year I didn't think he'd grow into the size of horse he is at the moment. I'd like to have a crack at the French Champion Hurdle (3m 1f) in June. He'll go chasing next season."
This win maintained a bad run of results in the Grade 1s here for bookmakers - Master Minded, Hurricane Fly, Notre Pere, Dunguib and even Rare Bob had his supporters (10s into 7s), a race in which market-leader, Cooldine, was easy to back.
