Sport

Walsh on injured list

Florida Pearl could be seen in action at Kempton Park at Christmas if all goes well with the gelding's reappearance at Down Royal…

Tue Oct 24 2000 - 01:00

Florida Pearl could be seen in action at Kempton Park at Christmas if all goes well with the gelding's reappearance at Down Royal next month.

However, Ruby Walsh his intended rider this season, may miss the comeback ride on the eight-year-old after being injured on Saturday.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is due to return in the James Nicholson Champion Chase on November 11th, a race he won last year before going on to finish second to Looks Like Trouble in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"After Down Royal he'll be entered in the Ericsson at Leopardstown and the King George VI Chase," said Mullins yesterday. "At the moment we are leaning towards the King George this year - but it's a long time to Christmas."

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Florida Pearl was ridden by Paul Carberry last season as Walsh, the stable jockey, was out of action with a broken right shin.

"Ruby will probably ride Florida Pearl this time but he injured a wrist at Cork on Saturday and could be out for two or three weeks - we'll know more later in the week," said Mullins. "Paul, who rode him last year, is also injured. "The Down Royal race is the same weekend as the Thomas Pink meeting at Cheltenham so finding a jockey could be a problem."

Florida Pearl is reported in good form following a summer break.

"I'm delighted with him - he's come back nicely. We never let him get too fat," added Mullins.

Mullins will also be represented by Micko's Dream, who took a heavy fall in the Martell Grand National, in the Down Royal race.

Jessica Harrington has not yet decided if she will run Slaney Native in the big Down Royal chase or go for the Thomas Pink Handicap Chase. "Slaney Native would have a chance at Cheltenham but I'll not make any decision until much nearer the time," said Mrs Harrington.

In his most recent run, Slaney Native beat stablemate Ferbet Junior by 10 lengths. Ferbet Junior finished third to Florida Pearl and Dorans Pride in the Down Royal race last year.

Mouse Morris has four entries at Wetherby on Saturday, with Foxchapel King a possible runner in the feature event, the Peterhouse Group Charlie Hall Chase. Last year's winner, See More Business, is a definite runner as are Peter Beaumont's seasoned handicappers, Young Kenny and Bobby Grant.