WALSH TO MISS PEARL RIDE Ruby Walsh will miss the ride on Florida Pearl in tomorrow`s Grade 1 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown after he was knocked out briefly following at fall at Naas today.Walsh was riding the Tony Martin-trained Hollybank Buck when he was involved in a three horse pileup on the flat during the 3 mile handicap hurdle.The Willie Slattery-ridden Battery Park slipped up seven furlongs from home, bringing down Walsh`s mount and Jaguar Claw in the processWalsh was knocked unconcious for a brief period and was automatically stood down by the racecourse medical officer for a mandatory seven days. Walsh regained consciousness soon after the fall and left the track with cuts and bruises to his faceWillie Mullins, who trains Florida Pearl, was at a wedding this afternoon but confirmed that Richard Johnson, winnning jockey in last year`s Cheltenham Gold Cup, would ride tomorrow`s big race favourite.Johnson, who rode Looks Like Trouble in last year`s Cheltenham feature, has never rode Florida Pearl before. It has not been confirmed who will deputise for Walsh`s other rides tomorrowWillie Slattery suffered rib injuries from the fall and was taken to hospital for x-rays. Charlie Swan was quick to his feet and walked away unhurt.
