Norman Williamson today expressed his delight at landing the mount on Florida Pearl in Saturday week`s James Nicholson Ulster Champion Chase at Down Royal.
He was called up last night by trainer Willie Mullins and will be riding Florida Pearl for the first time, up against Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble whom he was controversially 'jocked off' last season.
'I don`t know what he`s like, ' Williamson said. 'But obviously he`s a top-class horse and he should run well at Down Royal and possibly win. I hope so anyway.
'I will ride him for the first time at work later this week, probably near the weekend.'
Williamson was called up for the ride because of the injury to Paul Carberry who broke his leg in a fall at Fairyhouse on Friday.
Carberry, who rode Florida Pearl to victory in the Nicholson Chase, last year is expected to be out for three months.
Mullins emphasised that Williamson`s booking was a one-off.
'Ruby Walsh would normally have the mount but he too is injured,' said the trainer. 'I was looking for Paul as a replacement when the Fairyhouse accident happened.'
