Horse racing: Pearl heads for Aintree

Ireland’s leading chaser Florida Pearl could yet take his chance in the Martell Grand National at Aintree on April 6.

That was the verdict from trainer Willie Mullins after handicapper Phil Smith threw down the gauntlet to the owners and trainers of some of Britain’s top steeplechasers by offering them the chance to take part in this year’s renewal on potentially-favourable terms.