King George Memories: Florida Pearl

Part of jumps racing's allure is being able to chart the careers of promising horses, watching them flourish from exciting novices, to established favourites, to gnarled veterans who then have to defend their crowns from the next generation of potential superstars. Talent alone is not enough to endear a horse to the National Hunt faithful at large, and it's no coincidence that the most publicly-revered horses of recent times, such as Desert Orchid, Kauto Star and Denman, have followed this path, their ability to bounce back from defeat increasing rather than diminishing their appeal. Yes, a touch of brilliance is essential, but longevity is an equally important feature of their charm.

One horse that has left an indelible mark on the Irish National Hunt scene, boasting a remarkable nine Grade 1 wins among his accomplishments, is Florida Pearl. Outstanding from beginning to end, bowing out with a fourth Irish Hennessy at the age of 12, Florida Pearl was a standing dish at the top level, regularly doing battle with old favourites such as Dorans Pride and Native Upmanship. However, like another cherished performer One Man, Florida Pearl was unable to produce his best in the extended three and a quarter miles of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, twice finishing placed in the blue-riband event.

Following a distinguished bumper career which included the 1997 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, Florida Pearl wasn't even asked to compete over hurdles, sent straight over fences; like all staying chasers of the highest calibre, the Cheltenham Gold Cup was always going to be the ultimate objective. However, after falling just short at Cheltenham on his first two goes, it was to be in the King George at Kempton, the racing highlight of the Christmas period, where Florida Pearl, approaching his tenth birthday, would confirm beyond doubt to a captivated British audience the qualities that made him such a formidable opponent in his native Ireland.

Piloted for the first time by Adrian Maguire, Florida Pearl was sent off as an 8/1 shot, partly reflecting the emergence of new talent such as the highly-touted Best Mate, but also reflecting a few high-profile defeats suffered by Florida Pearl in recent times.

In many ways parallels can be drawn between the careers of Adrian Maguire and Florida Pearl: both had burst onto the scene as prodigious talents, threatening to stamp themselves as all-time greats. However, it could be said that both had come up slightly short in pursuit of their ultimate goal: Florida Pearl in the Gold Cup, Maguire in the 1994 jockeys' championship, losing out to Richard Dunwoody by a mere three winners following a titanic struggle throughout the season. Yes, both horse and rider had long been established at the top, an elite rider and a genuine Grade 1 horse, but success in a real showpiece event was needed to propel both back into the public consciousness. 

Maguire, on the way to Wetherby when he received the call that the meeting had fallen foul of the weather, was quickly rerouted to Kempton, picking up the ride on Florida Pearl. Renowned for his bold tactics and inclination to ask a horse for a big jump, Maguire found a willing partner in the Willie Mullins-trained gelding. Taking up the running not long after they ventured out onto the final circuit, Florida Pearl was repeatedly asked by Maguire to go long at his fences; he didn't disappoint, travelling enthusiastically at the head of affairs and attacking the obstacles with real vigour. 

Swinging for home, Florida Pearl was still travelling sweetly, responding well to the aggressive tactics. However, although last year's winner First Gold appeared to be in trouble, Bacchanal and the strongly fancied Best Mate were still firmly in contention, the latter moving ominously well under champion jockey AP McCoy.

McCoy would continue to dominate the jump jockeys' scene in a manner never seen before, while Best Mate would create his own bit of history, becoming the first horse since the peerless Arkle to win three Gold Cups, but, on Boxing Day 2001, both would have to play second fiddle to Adrian Maguire and Florida Pearl.

Galloping on remorselessly having fended off the challenge of Bacchanal, Florida Pearl remained in front on the approach to the final obstacle, showing little sign of weariness despite the bold tactics which had been employed during the second half of the race. Organised onto the perfect stride at the last, Florida Pearl picked up well, clearing the fence cleanly and efficiently, landing with plenty of momentum. Best Mate was also quickly away from the final fence, McCoy desperately trying to overhaul the one-length advantage the Irish hero held over his mount, but it was to no avail. Florida Pearl, showing a tremendous attitude to go with his undoubted quality, kept responding to Maguire's urgings, refusing to be passed as he gallantly stuck his next out all the way to the line, securing another Grade 1 win and his legacy as a tough and versatile chaser of the highest order.

Sadly, at the age of 20, Florida Pearl lost a short battle with cancer in May 2012. His King George triumph under Adrian Maguire, whose career was cut prematurely short by a broken neck suffered at Warwick in March 2002, exhibited all the traits which made him such a formidable and respected opponent. In Timeform's history, plenty of horses have produced a one-off performance better than Florida Pearl ever managed. However, rarely have they enjoyed such a fruitful career as Willie Mullins' stalwart, who kept returning year-on-year, claiming a variety of prizes and striking a chord with the public that few other horses in recent times have managed. 

Half-price Race Passes with brand new features - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. And get a FREE gift too! Find out more at timeform.com.