Jockey Paul Carberry is set to mark his return from injury by reuniting with Florida Pearl if the Irish star runs in the £110,000 James Nicholson Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 10. Carberry was successful aboard the nine-year-old in the inaugural running of the race two years ago, and trainer Willie Mullins confirmed today: "Florida Pearl is in good form and is very much a probable for the race. Paul will ride because of injuries to Ruby Walsh and Richard Johnson."
Carberry is currently on the sidelines after tearing ankle ligaments in a fall at Thurles earlier this month, but is expected to be able to make his return next week. That was just the latest setback for Carberry, whose career was interrupted for several months after sustaining a broken leg in a fall last October.
Meanwhile, Philip Hobbs confirmed that What's Up Boys is also a possible runner in the Down Royal race. The seven-year-old, whose principal target is the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury at the start of December, holds an entry in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday but may wait for Down Royal or miss both contests.
Filed by Shane Murray
