Michael Hourigan is on the lookout for a new rider for Dorans Pride in Leopardstown's Ericsson Chase after Richard Dunwoody informed the trainer yesterday that he will ride Florida Pearl in the Christmas feature.
Dunwoody's decision to partner Florida Pearl and not the Hourigan-trained Dorans Pride was widely anticipated but after phone calls to the connections of both horses yesterday morning, the riding arrangement was confirmed.
"Richard rang me up and told me he would ride the other horse. There was no point in waiting any longer to decide. I'm not really disappointed. He has ridden both horses and that's his opinion. Richard has made his decision and I have a fortnight now to find the best available," Hourigan said.
Yesterday evening Dunwoody commented : "Florida Pearl schooled very well on Sunday and I was very pleased with him. He seems in good order."
Florida Pearl's trainer Willie Mullins was naturally pleased with Dunwoody's decision. "Richard rang me to find out if the horse was sound after his school and I was able to tell him he is in tremendous shape. I think that if the horse was at his best and right, Richard always wanted to ride him," said Mullins.
Other Ericsson news yesterday revolved around the Hennessy Gold Cup fourth Boss Doyle who was confirmed as a runner in the December 28th contest by Mouse Morris.
"Boss Doyle is in good form and should have a squeak in the race. I hope to get Tony McCoy to ride but that may be unlikely because the Ericsson clashes with the Welsh Grand Natoinal in Chepstow. If that's the case Shay Barry will ride," Morris said.
Boss Doyle is currently 20 to 1 for the Gold Cup and is quoted at 25 to 1 for the Grand National by Sean Graham. However, Morris said: "I am keeping Boss Doyle for the following year's National."
A record number of 23 British-trained entries have been made for the 13th Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown next month. The £75,000 race is traditionally one of the most fiercely-competitive events of the season, and one in which British raiders have a fair record.
Barnbrook Again, in the care of David Elsworth and the Jenny Pitman-trained Master Tribe landed the spoils in 1987 and 1997 respectively.
And Tote Gold Trophy winner Sharpical would have gone close in last year's event, but for a terrible blunder at the last which saw him fade on the flat to finish sixth.
Having run off 10st 6lb there, Nicky Henderson's charge has been allotted 11st 4lb this year, with Ian Balding's Grey Shot - second to Relkeel in the Bula Hurdle on Saturday - heading the list of 55 on 12st.
Indeed, British-trained horses occupy the first five positions in the handicap. Mary Reveley could be represented by useful dual-purpose performer Once More For Luck.
Owned by the Mary Reveley Racing Club, he has been handed 10st 2lb. "That's a grand weight," said the Saltburn handler. "My son Keith is keen to go over there.
"He's the sort of horse who likes to get into a bit of trouble so the race should suit him - he's certainly not a horse you could say shouldn't go across. We haven't finalised plans but Michael Naughton could ride."
Jenny Pitman knows what it takes to send out a horse to win this race and could repeat the trick with Balladur. Her husband, David Stait, said: "Jenny's keen to get a prep race into him and the plan is to run."
Sponsor's spokesman Mike Dillon is understandably happy with the entry, saying: "We are absolutely delighted with the entries for this year's race and in particular with the support from British trainers.
"As the betting indicates, this is likely to be a highly competitive race as always and with so many British entries there is every chance that the prize could be coming back to this side of the Irish Sea for just the third time."
Ladbrokes bet: 10-1 Walk On Mix, 12-1 Advocat, 14-1 Nomadic, Snow Dragon, 16-1 Decoupage, Finnegan's Hollow, Khairabar, Polar Prospect, Sharpical, 20-1 Bellator, Black Queen, Generosa, L'Opera, Racketball, Real Estate, Road Racer, Slaney Native, Total Success, 25-1 bar.
Shanagore Warrior, who had managed only town places and has earned just £693, sprang a major surprise when taking the Offham Handicap Chase at Plumpton yesterday at 33 to 1 - but it was a victory which could be the first steeping stone towards much better things.
