RICHARD JOHNSON TO TEAM UP WITH FLORIDA PEARL

Richard Johnson has been booked to replace the injured Ruby Walsh aboard warm favourite Florida Pearl in Sunday`s big race at Leopardstown.

Championship leader Walsh suffered concussion in a three-horse pile up during the Kilwarden Handicap Hurdle at Naas on Saturday afternoon and was stood down for seven-days by Dr Matt Fay.

British champion Tony McCoy is expected to replace the former champion aboard Noel Meade`s strongly fancied Fruit Defendu in the opening 4-y-o hurdle. BF