Tiptronic Suffers Atrial Fibrillation

The Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-trained Tiptronic (O'Reilly-Tiptoes, by Pins) has gone for a spell in sunny Queensland after trailing the field home in the Gr3 Lord Mayor's Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The 7YO weakened in the home straight; a subsequent post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be suffering from atrial fibrillation, reports NZ Racing Desk. "He didn't pull up flash. He fibrillated and it wasn't anybody's fault, it just happens, and they can do that occasionally," Richardson stated. "It was quite disappointing because his work last Tuesday was outstanding, but he is good now which is the main thing. He is going to spell over there for six to eight weeks and it will do him the world of good. He is not a great spring horse. I will bring him up slowly when he is back in New Zealand." Compounding the disappointment was that the stable had been quietly confident heading into the Lord Mayor's Cup and was pleased with his first-up run in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) when beaten just over 6-lengths by in-form galloper Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux). A relieved Richardson told NZ Racing Desk, "He is a lot better now than what he was on Saturday night, that is for sure."

Tiptronic will spell in Queensland (pic: Kenton Wright)