Sea Moon© Photo Healy Racing
Sir Michael Stoute's Sea Moon has been withdrawn from the Hong Kong Vase on Sunday because of a blood abnormality.
The Hardwicke Stakes winner had been causing Stoute some concern since his arrival in the Far East but the Newmarket trainer appeared to be satisfied with his condition in recent days.
However, a visit from the Hong Kong Jockey Club's veterinary department discovered all was not well with the four-year-old.
A statement on www.hkjc.com said: "The Club's Veterinary Regulation Department has this morning advised that Sea Moon has been found to have a blood abnormality.
"After discussing this matter with Sir Michael Stoute, trainer of Sea Moon, it has been decided to withdraw the horse from the stated race."