Champion Irish steeplechaser Florida Pearl has died aged 20.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the Violet O’Leary-owned gelding won the 2001 King George VI Chase at Kempton and a record-breaking four Irish Gold Cups.
Florida Pearl had spent his last five years at the Irish National Stud which he had to be put down due to a rare condition linked to a malignant cancer.
“We are saddened to inform you that on the evening of May 5, 2012, a decision was made on veterinary advice to euthanase Florida Pearl.
“The 20-year-old gelding, in residence at the Irish National Stud for five years, was diagnosed with a condition known as haemangisarcoma, a word deriving from ‘malignant cancer of the blood vessels’.
“It is a rare condition which swiftly affects many organs once it spreads from its primary focus – in this case it originated in the spleen.
“Florida Pearl was a firm favourite among visitors to the INS and earned his retirement after a career which contained Grade One wins in seven seasons.”
Florida Pearl won 16 races, nine of which were in Grade One company, from 33 starts.
He retired from racing in February 2004 after winning his fourth Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
