Florida Pearl to miss Gold Cup

Florida Pearl is out of the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup with a ligament problem.

The damage was found in one of the 12-year-old’s front legs by trainer Willie Mullins today.

He is out for the rest of the season, and a decision on whether he will be retired or race on next winter has yet to be made.

Mullins said: "The horse did not appear 100 per cent this morning and after veterinary examination he was found to have a ligament problem.

“We have decided to rest him for the remainder of the season as we wouldn’t have time to get him back even for the Punchestown Festival.

“We’ll have to talk about it with the owners as far as next season is concerned.”