HKJC Press.....
Dylan Thomas an intended runner in Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is delighted to announce that Dylan Thomas, Europe's Horse of the Year, is an intended runner in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase 2007.
The eleventh-hour opportunity for this invitation arose when Dylan Thomas, currently isolated at the Shiroi Quarantine Station in Japan, on Tuesday returned a positive result for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) to force his withdrawal from this Sunday's Japan Cup.
The positive result has been attributed to the fact that Dylan Thomas had been vaccinated against EVA prior to his run in the Breeders' Cup Turf in the United States last month.
However, a horse testing positive to EVA cannot compete in Japan even if the positive test results from a vaccination reaction.
The vaccination for EVA can be compared to the vaccination for Equine Influenza (EI) in that vaccination protects the horse from contracting the disease by stimulating the production of antibodies to the disease.
Hong Kong temporary importation regulations do not require testing for EVA because the risk of introduction of EVA by an international racehorse has been assessed to be negligible in a country with no breeding industry.
Once Hong Kong officials were informed Dylan Thomas would be unable to run in Japan, they immediately moved to try and secure the six-time Gr.1 winner for one of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races.
"We are very happy that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has extended Dylan Thomas an invitation to compete in Hong Kong after the disappointment of not being able to run in the Japan Cup," trainer Aidan O'Brien said.
"There are still a number of obstacles to be overcome before Dylan Thomas can compete, but it is our clear intention for him to start in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase if permitted by the relevant quarantine authorities."
On the quarantine protocols, Dr Brian Stewart, the HKJC's Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison, explained: "The negotiations to allow Dylan Thomas to travel to Hong Kong are complex and ongoing. But we are hopeful that a way forward can be found to enable Dylan Thomas to compete in Hong Kong and to protect the health status of the local horse population."
Mr William A Nader, the Club's Executive Director of Racing, welcomed the development saying: "The possible participation of Dylan Thomas in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase would be a tremendous boost to international racing. To have the winner of the King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the Irish Champion Stakes is unprecedented and it reinforces the growing importance of the Turf World Championships."
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