Florida Pearl Bounces Back

Trainer Willie Mullins refused to rule out another crack at the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup after his veteran chaser Florida Pearl returned to winning ways in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The 12-year-old was making his reappearance following a prolonged injury lay-off and despite his 8/1 starting price, proved his class of old had not deserted him.

Richard Johnson travelled over for the ride and had his mount well positioned from the off, soon disputing the lead with the Ruby Walsh-ridden Rince Ri.

Although Knife Edge and favourite Rathgar Beau briefly looked like threatening rounding for home, it was Johnson and Florida Pearl who kicked on to extend their lead approaching the last.

The ever-popular veteran stayed on strongly in the closing stages to comfortably account for Rince Ri by two lengths, with Rathgar Beau a further seven lengths away in third.

'I´m just delighted,' Mullins said. 'He jumped so well and Richard did not have to ask very much of him at all.

'The horse was really enjoying himself out there.

'He´ll probably go for the Grade One Ritz Club Ascot Chase at the end of the month (January 31) but he´s also entered in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown (February 8).'

Mullins paid tribute to physiotherapist Grainne Ni Chaba, who worked with the horse throughout his lay-off.

'Grainne´s done some tremendous work with him and he´s as strong looking as I´ve seen him in the last few years.

'I´d love to go to the Gold Cup with him but it would be a hard race for him at this age.

'Best Mate would also be a tough opponent to crack!'

Leading Irish layers Sean Graham cut the winner to 25/1 from 40/1 for the Gold Cup.

Ladbrokes are 33/1 from the same price, while Coral reacted by cutting his to 25s from 66/1.

The effort of the runner-up over a trip well short of his best did not go unnoticed by the bookmakers either.

Already touted as a major Martell Cognac Grand National hope, Hills now go 12/1 from 14s and Ladbrokes 20/1 from 25s.