Racing: Florida Pearl sent the feel-good factor gushing through Leopardstown like a torrent yesterday with a historic fourth success in the Hennessy Gold Cup.Even hard-nosed sceptics were left rubbing their eyes with disbelief and emotion as Irish steeplechasing's veteran superstar turned back the clock in dramatic style.
Only Istabraq had ever before won a Grade One jump race four times in Ireland (AIG Champion Hurdle) but the 12-year-old Florida Pearl left hardly a dry eye in the house as he added to his three previous Hennessy titles (1999 to 2001).
"I think I enjoyed that more than any race I've ever won before," said an emotional Willie Mullins, who has guided Florida Pearl back from the wilderness for what could be a last hurrah in what will probably be the horse's final season.
Mind you, that could change as jockey Richard Johnson reported that Florida Pearl has never given him a better feeling on the four occasions he has ridden him.
"He is so tough, so classy, and it's not often you get a horse who has been on top for so long. He did really well to keep going and beat Le Coudray," said Johnson.
The winning margin was three lengths but it seemed fate was alongside Johnson on Florida Pearl's back as the dangerous Harbour Pilot unshipped Paul Carberry at the second last.
Harbour Pilot's role didn't end there as he then ran loose and carried the winner across the final obstacle. For a split second it looked ominous but Florida Pearl righted himself to complete the fairytale.
"Richard said Florida Pearl is getting better with age," grinned Mullins, who immediately nominated another crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup for his star.
Paddy Power cut Florida Pearl to 20 to 1 for the festival, where one last hurrah might even make yesterday's rapturous reception sound like a sober tea party.
