Racing: Big build-up for Pearl

WILLIE MULLINS yesterday outlined a busier Cheltenham build-up next season for his beaten Gold Cup favourite, Florida Pearl, who was having just his third outing of the season when third to See More Business on Thursday.

"Florida Pearl will probably start a bit earlier and have more races," Mullins said. "He will probably have a race at Christmas and then the Hennessy [Leopardstown] before Cheltenham. I wouldn't say he didn't stay, he just didn't quite fire. Any day you have a seven-year-old finish third in the Gold Cup you have got to be happy.''

n Windsor's meeting on Thursday which, along with Doncaster, was due to launch the Flat season on turf for the first time, is in doubt due to heavy rain and is subject to a 3pm inspection tomorrow.