Florida Pearl back to his best to win in style
He has been a massive money-spinner , his win prize money alone stands in excess of a million euro, over many honourable campaigns.
But for him to land a fourth Hennessy, at the age of twelve, was final testimony, as if it was needed, to the class horse he has always been.
Florida Pearl first tasted success in this Grade One in 1999 and then completed a hat-trick the following two years. Last season, he looked very much a light of other days and, with nothing to prove, could have been excused for sitting by the fire with his pipe and slippers. But not a bit of it.
This was a fantastic training feat by Willie Mullins, who has nursed him back to his very best.
Winning rider, Richard Johnson said: “This was the best feel he has ever given me.”
Carrying the colours of Cork woman, Violet O’Leary, Florida Pearl jumped and travelled through the contest with all the style and panache we have come to expect of him. He had luck on his side, when Harbour Pilot departed the scene two out, but he was entitled to that.
Cloudy Bays carried them along, but his old failings came back to haunt him and he hit several fences. He was gone heading to the fourth last and Florida Pearl soon took over. Harbour Pilot quickly emerged as the only danger and the pair raced to two out stride for stride.
Much of Harbour Pilot’s career over fences has been dogged by indifferent jumping, but this looked to be the day when he got it all right.
He made little effort, however, to get across that second last, thumping into the obstacle and giving Paul Carberry no chance Meade, with good humour and grace remarked: “Life’s a bitch.”
The departure of Harbour Pilot left Florida Pearl well clear of Le Coudray and Rince Ri, but then a new danger loomed on the horizon.
The loose Harbour Pilot went right across Florida Pearl at the last. But Johnson kept his cool, Florida Pearl landed safely and the rest is history.
Said Johnson: “It is a privilege to ride a horse on top of his game for so long. The loose horse helped me on the run in.”
Mullins was simply ecstatic at seeing his stable star return to his very best. “I enjoyed that more than other race I have ever won,” he said. “I think that was as good a performance as he has ever given.”
“This is a remarkable horse, he is so sound. It will be straight to the Gold Cup for him now.”
Florida Pearl has been given a 20-1 quote by Coral and Paddy Power for the Gold Cup.
