Thikriyaat could have a heart problem
Vets have indicated a possible fibrillating heart which would explain his disappointing performance and no plans will be made for the time being
PLANS for Thikriyaat are on hold while the classy three-year-old undergoes tests following his below-par run at Goodwood.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt was found to be suffering from a fibrillating heart after finishing last of five behind Lightning Spear in the Celebration Mile.
Thikriyaat was sent off 7-4 favourite for the Group Two as, just a month earlier, he had won the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes over the course at distance at the Glorious meeting.
"Sir Michael said to me the vet thought he had a fibrillating heart," said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
"We will have to do tests. It's too early to say.
"I hope he'll soon be back on track. We'll have to see."
Gold also reported he was "disappointed" that Muthmir could not get back to winning ways in the Beverley Bullet.
The six-year-old, trained by William Haggas, just missed out in a bunch finish to the five-furlong dash, beaten a matter of inches in third place behind Alpha Delphini.
Since his last success in the Group Two King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in July 2015, Muthmir has performed with credit in many of the top sprints without adding to his tally.
"William's always said he wants fast, good ground," said Gold.
"Even so, I'd have liked to have seen him quicken better than that.
"I'd like to see him jump and run. I'm not blaming Dane (O'Neill).
"Because this horse pulls so hard, we've got used to covering him up, but over five furlongs round there you risk something getting away from you and risk getting pushed wide and he's only beaten a neck and short head.
"You've got to be disappointed.
"We've not discussed plans yet. For two years he's been running in all the best sprints and he'll continue to do the same. Obviously it was disappointing he couldn't win on Saturday.
"For these sprinters who are not quite top class you need all the luck you can get."
