Dylan Denied Japan Cup Bid

Dylan Thomas has been denied the chance of running in Sunday's Japan Cup after falling foul of veterinary red tape.

Recently voted Cartier Horse of the Year, the four-year-old was ruled a non-runner because officials were not satisfied with the results of a routine test for equine viral arteritis (EVA).

However, trainer Aidan O'Brien is hoping he could be allowed to contest the Hong Kong Vase on December 9 after receiving an invitation.

'Dylan Thomas was vaccinated for EVA at the Breeders' Cup,' said O'Brien.

'This is a standard procedure for all stallions going to stud as it is in the best interest of the stallion and the mare owner. Many of our stallions in the past have entered Japan with the EVA vaccination before entering stud.

'The Hong Kong Jockey Club, aware of our problem, have extended an invitation to Dylan Thomas to run in the Vase at Sha Tin on Sunday December 9. We hope that the Japanese Racing Authority will release him in time to run,' he told the Racing Post.

EVA is a contagious disease caused by the equine arteritis virus (EAV) and can be spread by venereal infection of mares by stallions during mating and directly from coughing and snorting from the respiratory tract.

A statement released by the Japanese Racing Authority (JRA) said:

'Dylan Thomas, who is undergoing important quarantine at Shiroi Quarantine Station, has been declared a non-runner for the Japan Cup scheduled for Sunday, 25th November.

'The series of examinations conducted on Dylan Thomas as a part of the regular quarantine procedure did not show negative test results for the equine viral arteritis (EVA).

'Consequently, Dylan Thomas was not approved to enter into Japan as a part of the Animal Health Requirement established between Ireland and Japan.

'It is not confirmed at this moment but EVA vaccination prior to entry into Japan may have caused elevated antibody level of the horse.

'Dylan Thomas's case does not have any effect on other overseas horses in the quarantine facility and the horses undergoing quarantine at Shiroi have safely transferred to Tokyo Racecourse today.

'The Animal Health Requirement between Ireland and Japan for the equine viral arteritis (EVA) requires the horse, prior to departure to Japan to be stabled at EVA free facility for 60 immediate days and without irregular symptoms as well as negative serological test result taken within 30 days.

'During quarantine in Japan, the horse must be free from clinical symptoms and approved negative from antibody examination.'

As a result, European interest in the Japan Cup now rests with Papal Bull, Halicarnassus and German hope Saddex.

(C) PA Sport