Nobals, a 6-year-old gelding, was set to participate in the Hong Kong Sprint but had to withdraw due to developing a fever upon arrival. The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced this in a news release on Thursday, stating that the horse "has continued to display a blood abnormality and is not suitable to start this Sunday." As a result, the standby starter Flying Ace will take his slot.

Trainer's Initial Expectation

Trainer Larry Rivelli told Horse Racing Nation on Tuesday that he had expected Nobals to start as his temperature had gone down after treatment. This raised hopes among fans and the racing community, but unfortunately, the horse's condition did not improve enough for him to compete.

Recent Wins and Performances

Nobals had recently achieved a significant victory in the Kennedy Road (G2) at Woodbine on Nov. 6. This was the first win in four starts this year for the 5-year-old gelding. He ended 2023 on a high note with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. These wins demonstrated his potential and talent on the racetrack.

The Long Journey to Sha Tin

Regarding the 16-hour trip to Sha Tin, Rivelli expressed his thoughts. He said, "it’s a long way to go and not run, that’s for sure." This journey not only took a toll on the horse but also presented challenges for the team. The long travel time and the uncertainty surrounding Nobals' condition added to the complexity of the situation.