Pearl set for Ascot

Willie Mullins confirmed today that stable star Florida Pearl will head to Britain for the Servo Computer Services’ Ascot Chase at the weekend – weather permitting.

The popular veteran, who made a winning seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse recently when jumping with his old zest to comfortably beat subsequent Pillar Property Chase runner-up Rince Ri, is also engaged at Thurles on Thursday and Punchestown on Sunday.

But speaking after saddling Verrocchio to take the opener at Tramore this afternoon, Mullins said: “Florida Pearl is Ascot-bound on Saturday, but with the way the weather is, everything is a little bit up in the air.”

The County Carlow handler added: “If the Ascot plan doesn’t work out, we’ll wait for the Hennessy Gold Cup, a week later at Leopardstown.”

Should he run at Leopardstown, Florida Pearl would be seeking a remarkable fourth success in the race having been successful in 1999, 2000 and 2001.