The Tin Man out of HK Sprint
DIAMOND Jubilee Stakes winner The Tin Man has been withdrawn from the Hong Kong Sprint after returning an elevated temperature.
Executive Manager of Veterinary Regulation Dr Peter Curl advised the stewards on Tuesday that the James Fanshawe-trained gelding presented with a fever upon arrival in Hong Kong.
The six-year-old – which was a $41 outsider at Crownbet to win the Hong Kong Sprint – was subsequently scratched from the race.
In a statement released by Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Stipendiary Steward Kim Kelly, the HKJC kept connections in the loop with the Tin Man throughout the process.
“After discussing the horse’s condition with (trainer) Mr Fanshawe, it has been decided the horse will not be suitable to compete in the stated race and accordingly The Tin Man has been officially withdrawn from the Hong Kong Sprint.” the statement read.
The Tin Man’s withdrawal from the race reduces the number of overseas competitors in the Hong Kong Sprint to five, including two gallopers from France, a further two from Japan and one solitary runner from the United States.
A race that typically has a number of Australian runners will not feature any horses from down under after newly introduced quarantine laws made it too difficult to justify the trip.
Local hope Mr Stunning remains the $2.75 favourite at Ladbrokes for the Hong Kong Sprint, while fellow Hong Kongian and last year’s Sprint runner-up Lucky Bubbles ($4.20) is on the second line of betting.