Hennessy hat-trick for Florida Pearl

Florida Pearl emulated the great Jodami by landing the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup for the third year running at Leopardstown today…

Florida Pearl emulated the great Jodami by landing the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup for the third year running at Leopardstown today.

The 5-4 favourite led in a famous one-two for trainer Willie Mullins as stablemate Alexander Banquet chased him home in second place.

Florida Pearl tracked leader Nick Dundee in the early stages until that rival parted company with Norman Williamson at the fifth fence.

Alexander Banquet took up the running from that point with Richard Johnson, deputising for the injured Ruby Walsh on Florida Pearl, shadowing him.

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A mighty leap six out sent Florida Pearl clear and by the turn for home he had shaken off Dorans Pride.

Alexander Banquet (20-1) renewed his effort but Florida Pearl was always in command and passed the post two lengths clear with Dorans Pride back in third. - PA