MIKE de Kock has confirmed that Mubtaahij will not be taking his place in next Sunday’s Gr1 Audemars Piguet Cup at Sha-Tin in Hong Kong.

After an excellent prep so far, and almost all systems go to leave for Hong Kong on Friday, Mubtaahij had some heat behind one knee this morning.

Mike commented: “Mubtaahij has been diagnosed with carpal canal syndrome which is very treatable, but it’s a niggle that has come at the wrong time.  We don’t want to risk travelling him now, and it’s really unfortunate because he was doing well in the build-up.”

Mubtaahij with assistant trainer Trevor Brown: “We’re not travelling, but all’s cool!”