One months shy of his seventh birthday the career of an extraordinary contender has been cut short by a regrettable accident at the Cheltenham Festival. Citizen Vic, who was given excellent chance to do well in Wednesday’s RSA Chase, was unable to stay on his feet following a blundered jump. He sustained injuries of such serious and excruciating nature that his connections were forced to make the devastating decision to euthanize the six-year-old.
Until his surprising and shocking death, Citizen Vic seemed set to establish himself as one of the top contenders on the track. He had won three consecutive races leading up to Cheltenham – the April Festival Beginners’ Chase, the Dr. P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase, and the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Novice Chase – and was headed to the Festival laden with expectations of his proud connections. In fact, trainer Willie Mullins was so confident in his charge’s potential to succeed that he paired him with top-jockey Ruby Walsh for the RSA Chase.
But what was expected to be the gelding’s fourth consecutive triumph was destined to be a heartbreaking tragedy.
The racing world is mourning a spirited and very talented equine athlete. Out of the eleven starts in his short career – Citizen Vic ran his inaugural race as a professional in February 2008 – he recorded five wins and two second places. Our thoughts are with his owner Donal O’Connor, trainer Willie Mullins and the Mullins and Walsh families, whose lives were touched by the outstanding animal.
The post Citizen Vic 17th April 2003 – 17th March 2010 appeared first on Horse Racing UK.
