Pearl pencilled in for Down Royal

Florida Pearl remains a possible runner in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal next month.

Willie Mullins’ star chaser enjoyed arguably his best season yet last term, including an emotional success in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Should he run at the Northern Irish track, it would be the 10-year-old’s fourth outing in the valuable event, which has received Grade One status for the first time this year.

He beat Doran’s Pride in 1999, was fourth to Looks Like Trouble in 2000, and third to Foxchapel King last year.

“Florida Pearl is in good form and it is possible he will take his chance,” Mullins said today.

And the trainer also confirmed Smurfit Champion Hurdle fancy Davenport Milenium is on course for Down Royal.

The six-year-old will be entered for the Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle on the first day of the meeting, a race won last year by Ned Kelly, who finished behind Davenport Milenium in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April.

That was Davenport Milenium’s second win at the meeting as two days earlier he had won the Menolly Homes Champion Novice Hurdle.