Alkaased withdrawn from Hong Kong Vase

Japan Cup winner Alkaased has been sold as a stallion and will miss his intended engagement in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase on Sunday week.

Luca Cumani’s charge landed the Tokyo Group One contest by a nose under Frankie Dettori last month and connections had been planning to run the five-year-old at Sha Tin but due to “quarantine requirements” the son of Kingmambo will miss the race.

A statement from the Hong Kong Jockey Club said: “Alkaased has been sold to stand at stud in Japan and was withdrawn from the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase late on Wednesday.

“The Japan Cup winner must return to England to enter quarantine and return to Japan for a second quarantine spell before taking up stud duties in the new season.

“These quarantine requirements make it impractical for Alkaased to take part in Hong Kong.

“Alkaased’s withdrawal means that 11 horses will face the starter in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase.”