Dylan Thomas out of Japan Cup

DYLAN THOMAS (Ire) (Danehill), honored last week as Europe's Cartier Horse of

the Year, has been ruled out of Sunday's Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) due to a positive

test for equine viral arteritis (EVA). His connections believe the positive test

is due to him being vaccinated for EVA prior to the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) on

October 27.

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) hero arrived safely in Japan on

November 15 and was originally slated to be transferred to Tokyo Racecourse on

Wednesday, according to the Japan Racing Association. The Hong Kong Vase (HK-G1)

on December 9 at Sha Tin could be a back-up plan for the champion four-year-old.

"Dylan Thomas was vaccinated for EVA at the Breeders' Cup in Monmouth, New

Jersey," trainer Aidan O'Brien said. "This is a standard procedure for all

stallions going to stud as it is in the best interest of the stallion and mare

owner. Many of our stallions in the past have entered Japan with the EVA

vaccination before entering stud. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, aware of our

problem, have extended an invitation to Dylan Thomas to run in the Vase at Sha

Tin on Sunday, December 9.

"We hope that the Japanese Racing Association will release him time to run

(in Hong Kong)," O'Brien added.