Florida Pearl, the Cheltenham Gold Cup hope, was yesterday reported a "bit stiff" following his exertions at Leopardstown on Sunday.

But trainer Willie Mullins is not too concerned about the gelding, who was an impressive repeat winner of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup.

Mullins explained: "He ate up last night, he's a bit stiff this morning but it's nothing to worry about.

"He can be a bit stiff after his races and he's well in himself."

The eight-year-old showed his old sparkle in the Grade One race, beating Dorans Pride by five and a half lengths.

"He performed as we have expected him to do all along," said Mullins. "We are now counting down to Cheltenham in March. We'll try and get him there in one piece and there won't be any more runs for him now."