Horse Racing: Ireland enters seven for Nakayama Grand Jump

Ireland has entered seven horses for the Nakayama Grand Jump on April 13, with Florida Pearl leading the pack.

As well as Florida Pearl, the seven Irish entries include Arthur Moore’s Native Upmanship and More Than A Stroll, while Mullins also has Adamant Approach and Killultagh Storm.

There are six Philip Hobbs-trained horses among 16 nominations from Britain.

Entries have also been received from France, America, Australia and New Zealand.

Most interesting of the Hobbs’ sextet is Brother Joe, an unlucky third in last year’s Tote Ebor on the Flat at York and entered in both the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Somerset-based Hobbs has also put in Flagship Uberalles, What’s Up Boys, Rooster Booster, Lord Brex and Fait Le Jojo for the race.

Paul Nicholls has two entries - Cenkos and Fadalko - while Ferdy Murphy has nominated Ballinclay King and Ichi Beau.

The safety limit for the race is 16, including eight foreign runners.

One horse will be selected from each of the above countries with a further two to be selected by the Japan Racing Association according to their ratings and performance.