Ruby Walsh is standing by to take over the ride on Florida Pearl in the King George VI Chase if Paul Carberry is unable to travel to Kempton for the St Stephen's Day highlight.

Florida Pearl's trainer, Willie Mullins, admitted yesterday he will be "disappointed" if Carberry, who rode the sole Irish King George entry to a thrilling Durkan Chase win earlier in the month, is not able to keep the partnership intact.

"I believe Paul and Noel (Meade) will work horses in the morning and then we will be able to sort out arrangements," Mullins said.

"I'll be disappointed if Paul can't ride the horse, and I hope he will be able to, but I imagine Ruby (Walsh) will ride Florida Pearl if he can't," he added.

Walsh rode Florida Pearl to be a 10-length runner-up to First Gold in the King George last year and the Irish horse is one of just 10 entries still left in the £150,000 highlight on Wednesday.

They again include the French star First Gold as well as the up-and-coming English horses, Bacchanal and Best Mate.

One the home front, one of Carberry's big Christmas festival hopes at Leopardstown is Harbour Pilot who could end up being faced with the challenge of the former top staying hurdler Le Coudray in the William Neville and Sons Novice Chase.

Le Coudray missed out on an intended engagement in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse at the start of the month but trainer Christy Roche is determined to give him a first chasing start next week.

"I would say the longer race, the Neville, is the more likely race for him but he will have a run over Christmas," he said yesterday.

"I have no worries about putting this horse into such a good race. He has so much class and he jumps excellent," he added.

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Like-A-Butterfly will also have a run over the festival period, but the distance he will run over has yet to be decided.