SHEIKH Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum may not have been as familiar a figure on racecourses as his two brothers but his influence has been just as important.

WILLIE MULLINS yesterday confirmed that Florida Pearl has emerged fit and well from his historic victory at Leopardstown on Sunday and will now bid to win the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup at the fourth attempt.

Willie Mullins today confirmed that Florida Pearl has emerged fit and well from his historic victory at Leopardstown yesterday and will now bid to win the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup at the fourth attempt.