Faugheen found to have irregular heartbeat after early exit from Aintree Hurdle

Racegoers must wait to discover if they will see Faugheen in action again after he was pulled up in the early stages of the Aintree Hurdle, after which the racecourse veterinary officer reported an atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat.

The former Champion Hurdle hero was prominent until being taken out of the contest by Ruby Walsh heading past the grandstands in a race in which his Willie Mullins-trained stable companion Melon was leading when crashing out at the third-last flight.

"Faugheen just wasn't going," said Walsh. "He didn't take me to any of his hurdles. He did everything he doesn't do, the telltale sign that something isn't right. He didn't feel like he normally does. He was just lifeless. He's sound but he just didn't feel right."

Faugheen (left): joins Sprinter Sacre and Denman those high-profile horses to have heart issuesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sprinter Sacre and Denman are among the high-profile horses to have suffered an atrial fibrillation during their career. In upwards of 90 per cent of cases the heart will correct its rhythm within 24 to 48 hours.

Speaking before the veterinary report was published, Mullins pointed towards a possible trip to Punchestown, as did owner Rich Ricci.

"He just didn't have it today," said Ricci. "For whatever reason he didn't bring his A-game. He has been such a wonderful horse, so Ruby did the right thing by pulling him up.

"Maybe something will turn up and we'll see what happens the next day. Punchestown is only three weeks away and if he is all right we would want to give him one more run for his Irish fans."

Ricci added: "He is a horse who was unfortunately robbed of some of his best years by injury. He's been a wonderful horse. He tries his heart out. He's a lovely fellow and I'm glad he's okay."

Dual Champion Hurdle second Melon looked the one to beat when falling, after which he was briefly caught up in his reins.

"He was still travelling well, I thought," said Mullins, but jockey Paul Townend added: "The race hadn't started yet."

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