Walsh to miss Pearl ride

Ruby Walsh will miss the ride on Florida Pearl in tomorrow's Grade 1 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown after he was knocked…

Ruby Walsh will miss the ride on Florida Pearl in tomorrow's Grade 1 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown after he was knocked out briefly, following at fall at Naas today.

Walsh was riding the Tony Martin-trained Hollybank Buck when he was involved in a three horse pile-up on the flat during the 3 mile handicap hurdle.

The Willie Slattery-ridden Battery Park slipped up seven furlongs from home, bringing down Walsh's mount and Jaguar Claw in the process

Walsh was knocked unconcious for a brief period and was automatically stood down by the racecourse medical officer for a mandatory seven days. Walsh regained consciousness soon after the fall and left the track with cuts and bruises to his face

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Willie Mullins, who trains Florida Pearl, was at a wedding this afternoon but confirmed that Richard Johnson, winnning jockey in last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, would ride tomorrow's big race favourite.

Johnson, who rode Looks Like Trouble in last year's Cheltenham feature, has never rode Florida Pearl before. It has not been confirmed who will deputise for Walsh's other rides tomorrow

Willie Slattery suffered rib injuries from the fall and was taken to hospital for x-rays. Charlie Swan was quick to his feet and walked away unhurt.