The Tin Man to miss Sprint after arriving with a fever

There will be no British-trained representatives in Sunday's Longines Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin after The Tin Man was ruled out with a fever yesterday.

James Fanshawe's Diamond Jubilee winner had made the journey from Newmarket, but on arrival in Hong Kong, presented with a fever.

Hong Kong Jockey Club officials consulted with Fanshawe and it was decided the five-year-old will not compete in Sunday's Group 1, which carries total prize-money of HK$15 million (£1.43m).

Fanshawe said: "When The Tin Man arrived in Hong Kong he had a temperature. It has stabilised now but it took 48 hours to do so, during which time he had to have some treatment. As a consequence of that his blood picture is not very good. We've had discussions with the Hong Kong vets and decided it was best to withdraw him.

"The main priority now is to get him back home and in really good shape again.

"It's very disappointing not to get a run as we've all come over and were looking forward to the Hong Kong Sprint."

Some of the international contingent took part in track work yesterday, including Robin Of Navan, who is set to compete in the Longines Hong Kong Cup.

The five-year-old will have the assistance of Australian rider Sam Clipperton for the first time, as trainer Harry Dunlop's wife Christina said: "When we’ve taken Robin Of Navan abroad, we’ve looked to local riders and it has tended to pay off, especially with the post positions to consider. And Sam is young and hungry – just like my husband!"

Dunlop reported Robin Of Navan to have taken the trip to Sha Tin well: "Robin Of Navan is nearly back to his optimum weight." –