Racing: Carberry in line for Pearl mount

Jockey Paul Carberry is set to be reunited with Florida Pearl if the Irish star runs in the £110,000 James Nicholson Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 10.

Two years ago Carberry was successful aboard the nine-year-old in the inaugural running of the race.

Trainer Willie Mullins said today: ‘‘Florida Pearl is in good form and is very much a probable for the race.

‘‘Paul will ride because of injuries to Ruby Walsh and Richard Johnson.’’

Carberry’s career has been blighted recently by a series of injuries, most

recently when being out of action for more than months when breaking his leg in a fall last October.

He is currently on the sidelines after tearing ankle ligaments in another fall at Thurles earlier this month but expected to be able to make his return next week.

Meanwhile, Philip Hobbs confirmed that What’s Up Boys is also a possible runner in the Down Royal race.

The seven-year-old, whose principal target is the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury at the start of December, holds an entry in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday but may wait for Down Royal or miss both contests.