Pearl entered in Japanese contest

Florida Pearl is one of seven Irish horses among the 59 entered for the Nakayama Grand Jump on April 13th.

Willie Mullins` Pertemps King George VI Chase winner is joined in the entries for the top Japanese jump race by stablemates Adamant Approach and Killultagh Storm.

Arthur Moore has entered Native Upmanship and More Than A Stroll.

English trainer Philip Hobbs is responsible for six of the entries among the 16 nominations from Britain.

Most interesting of the Hobbs` sextet is Brother Joe, an unlucky third in last year`s Tote Ebor on the Flat at York and entered in both the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Bonusprint Stayers` Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Somerset-based Hobbs has also put in Flagship Uberalles, winner of the Tingle Creek Trophy on his last start and a leading fancy for the Queen Mother Champion Chase next month.

What`s Up Boys, Rooster Booster, Lord Brex and Fait Le Jojo complete the Hobbs team.

Paul Nicholls has two entries - Cenkos and Fadalko - while Ferdy Murphy has nominated Ballinclay King and Ichi Beau.

Venetia Williams sent The Outback Way to finish a valiant third in this event two years ago and is represented by Banker Count and Davoski this time.

Galant Moss and Exit Swinger are champion trainer Martin Pipe`s hopefuls.

Entries have also been received from France, America, Australia and New Zealand.

The safety limit for the race is 16, including eight foreign runners.

One horse will be selected from each of the above countries with a further two to be selected by the Japan Racing Association according to their ratings and performance.

The selected horses of the European countries will be announced on or around February 25th.