Trainer Jamie Richards has been dealt a blow with hugely promising four-year-old Bulb General (NZ) (Embellish) sidelined with injury.
The son of Embellish had impressed with three successive Hong Kong victories but will now miss the upcoming four-year-old series.
Bulb General sustained a right fore ligament injury which will put him out of action until late this season.
“He’s going to have surgery. We’ll take the chip out of his fetlock and give him a bit of time,” Richards told the SCMP.
“[The stable] is ticking along nicely, but it’s heartbreaking when you lose your best one.”
Despite the blow, Richards good early season form continued when Goldentronicmighty (Harry Angel) claimed the Class 4 Panashop Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the marked improvement in form down to a wind operation.
With eight wins for the season, Richards is seventh on the Hong Kong Trainers’ Premiership.