Pearl still 50-50 for Gold Cup bid
Florida Pearl is still on the sick list at Willie Mullins’ stable but the trainer has not ruled out a trip to the Cheltenham Festival if the 11-year-old makes a quick recovery.
Pearl is suffering from a respiratory infection which caused him to be pulled up in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Mullins said that Cheltenham was still in the balance.
“I said the other day that it was 50-50 and I’m leaving it at that,” he said.
“He’s in good form in his stable – he’s eating and doing everything right, so that’s a good sign.
“He’ll be treated for the infection and as soon as it clears up we’ll prepare him for whatever his next race will be.
“We haven’t made any plans. We’re going to sort things out here at home and make a plan when he’s ready.”
Florida Pearl, who won the Irish Hennessy for three consecutive years and has twice been placed in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, could wait for Aintree or Punchestown in April if time runs out on a Festival bid.
