Snow Fairy has been ruled out of the Hong Kong Vase next month after she suffered an injury in training.
Having won the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup earlier this month trainer Ed Dunlop decided to target the December 11 race with his filly but he suffered an injury during a routine gallop at Sha Tin racecourse on Monday and will now miss the Vase.
"It is with great disappointment that we report Snow Fairy suffered an injury this morning at Sha Tin racecourse whilst doing a routine canter," Dunlop said in a statement.
"We have therefore withdrawn her from the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase and she will return to England when she is fit to travel."
Snow Fairy was bidding to become the first horse to win both the Hong Kong Cup and Vase - she won the former last year - and Dunlop admits the injury is a blow to everyone concerned.
"Although this is a major disappointment for us we are enormously proud of what she achieved in Japan earlier this month and we will advise everyone of her progress, as soon as she has returned home.
"Of course it's a bitter pill, and it's a very sad day for everyone. Sadly she's suffered an injury this morning and is unable to run in Hong Kong.
"We'll get her home and assess what the situation is and take it from there."
Dunlop is unsure how bad the injury is and he will not make a call on her future until he has had a chance to assess her condition on her return to Newmarket.
"As I'm in Newmarket and she's over there, I don't really know the extent of the injury yet," he went on.
"All I know is it's bad enough to say that she won't be able to run and we'll make any further decisions when she's home."