Florida Pearl Stiff and Sore

Florida Pearl was reported 'stiff and sore' yesterday after having a hard race in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday.

The ten-year-old finished fourth, beaten 29 lengths by More Than A Stroll, and his trainer Willie Mullins said yesterday: ' Florida Pearl had a hard race and is quite stiff and sore today. He finished tired but I'm sure he'll recover in plenty of time for the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on December 8 and after that the King George will be the next target.'

Coral pushed out Florida Pearl to 5-1 for the King George, behind ante-post favourite Best Mate at 2-1.

Barry Geraghty, who rode Florida Pearl, said: 'Having ridden him three times I definitely think he is a better horse on drier ground. He gives you the feel of a good ground horse and likes to bowl along.

'He came back from getting beaten in this race last year and had his best-ever season. I'm sure he's capable of doing the same again.'