Dylan Thomas's fruitless trip to Japan looks like it might get an almost happy ending next week as hopes are growing that the Aidan O'Brien-trained star will be allowed leave Tokyo and get shipped to Hong Kong for next month's international series at Sha Tin.
The King George and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero was controversially ruled out of running in Sunday's €3.3 million Japan Cup after a non-negative test result for EVA meant he was confined to the Shiroi quarantine centre earlier this week by Japanese racing authorities.
The frustration felt by the O'Brien team at the impact of a routine EVA vaccination at last month's Breeders' Cup meeting in America was only emphasised when doubts were raised at the likelihood of Dylan Thomas being released in time to take up an invitation to run in the 1.2 million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase on December 9th.
Victory there would bring the Danehill colt's racing career to a successful end with a seventh Group One victory before he embarks on a stallion career at Coolmore Stud next spring.
However, O'Brien said yesterday: "Nothing is absolutely certain yet but it looks like we are going to get clearance for the horse to leave. It seems like it is going to happen and we think he may get to leave on Tuesday."
Those positive signs were also indicated in Tokyo where a Japanese Racing Association spokesman said the issue "is a matter between the quarantine officials of Hong Kong and Ireland. We have no say-so in the matter".
The EVA question appears not to apply in Hong Kong which does not have a breeding industry. But Japan's loss appears to be the Hong Kong Jockey Club's gain and Dylan Thomas now looks to be on course to reunite with his stable companion Excellent Art who is set to run in the €1.4 million Mile on the same card.
Both Beef Or Salmon and Offshore Account will represent Ireland in the Betfair Chase at Haydock tomorrow where the Gold Cup and King George hero Kauto Star leads a field of seven runners. However, there will be further Irish interest in the race after confirmation that Barry Geraghty will team up with Exotic Dancer as the horse's usual rider, Tony McCoy, has been claimed to ride at Ascot.
Geraghty's old friend, the former double King George and Gold Cup winner Kicking King is nearing a comeback appearance and Tom Taaffe's star may be seen for the first time in two years at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. "He's in great order and cantered away this morning. I would say we are looking at the early part of the New Year or maybe New Year's Eve for a start off. Punchestown on New Year's Eve is a possible," Taaffe said yesterday.
Kicking King has not been seen in action since winning the 2005 King George at Sandown Park, after which he was hit with a leg problem. He remains a 25 to 1 shot in some ante-post lists for a successful Gold Cup return in March.
There will be plenty interest in the concluding mile and a quarter handicap at Dundalk tonight where the former Champion Hurdle runner-up, Harchibald, has his first start on the flat in Ireland off an official rating of 88.
However, the polytrack is an unknown factor and under the circumstances, Absolute Image, a hurdles winner himself on his last start at Clonmel, may be a safer option.
