Nobals, set to become the first American-trained horse to contest the Hong Kong International Races since 2017, developed a fever after his travel and is not being allowed to train while under veterinary care.
The 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) winner, trained by Larry Rivelli, is entered in the Dec. 8 Hong Kong Sprint.
Marc Van Gestel, chief stipendiary steward for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said Dec. 3 Nobals "was found to have developed a fever with evidence of an infection after arriving in Hong Kong on Dec. 1.
"Nobals is currently receiving ongoing veterinary care and treatment and, as a result, it has been recommended that the horse does not undertake any exercise on the training track until cleared by the Club's veterinary surgeons."
The HKJC said further updates will be released "when appropriate".
Rivelli elected to try the Hong Kong race after Nobals, a 5-year-old Noble Mission gelding, defeated Woodbine sprint star Patches O'Houlihan after a tight stretch duel In the Kennedy Road Stakes Nov. 16 on the Canadian all-weather course.
Nobals is 11-3-0 from 22 starts including a victory in the gelding's lone grade 1 contest, the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. In that race at Santa Anita Park, Nobals came on late and held off Big Mission by a neck. Bred by Dr. John Chandler and owned by Patricia's Hope, Nobals has career earnings of $1,636,741.
This story may be updated.
