Pearl under observation

Florida Pearl’s condition is being constantly monitored as he continues to suffer from “a few issues” at the Irish National Stud.

The nine-times Grade One winner has been unwell for a few days and staff at the Stud are currently trying to discover what is ailing the 20-year-old.

“He’s had a few issues this week. We haven’t got to the bottom of it yet, but he’s had a couple of niggling things the last few days,” said John Osborne, the Irish National Stud’s chief executive.

“It’s just one of those things. He’s 20 years old and things happen along the way. We’re doing the best we can for him.”

Florida Pearl was a high-class chaser when trained by Willie Mullins.

He retired in 2004 after a glittering career that included four victories in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown and the King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2001.

He won a total of 16 of his 33 races and £882,000 in prize money.