Simon and Ed Crisford-trained stayer West Wind Blows is out of Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) at Sha Tin, reducing the field to eight.

“The Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy has determined, upon examination, that West Wind Blows has an injury to the left fore leg, and accordingly, has been withdrawn from the Hong Kong Vase on veterinary advice,” Jockey Club chief stipendiary steward Marc Van Gestel said.

West Wind Blows joins Russian Emperor, Soldier Rising and Shahryar as Hong Kong Vase scratchings since the Jockey Club released the fields for this weekend’s four International Races two and a half weeks ago.

The withdrawal of West Wind Blows means Kiwi rider James McDonald, who was a whisker away from winning Saturday’s Group One Northerly Stakes (1,800m) at Ascot in Australia aboard $2.60 favourite Zaaki, loses his seat in Sunday’s HK$24 million race.