Queen Elizabeth II Cup hero London News will remain in Hong Kong for the next 40 days before taking South Africa's hopes and dreams to the racetracks of Europe.
In a day of frenzied activity following his superb win under Douglas Whyte at Sha Tin on Sunday, senior Jockey Club vet Keith Watkins and his South African counterpart, Allan Guthrie, worked on quarantine and import regulations to permit London News to go direct from Hong Kong to England.
Within minutes of his history-making win, current trainer Alec Laird confirmed that London News had run his last race under his charge and would be heading for England where he will almost certainly be trained by Michael Stoute.
Watkins said: 'It is an unprecedented situation where we have a horse from South Africa going through Hong Kong and on to England. I have been on to the relevant authorities in England and in South Africa and I think all the details have now been worked out.' London News will finish his 40 days at the end of the first week in May and will then be able to fly direct to England and straight into a racing stable.
Owner Laurie Jaffee will almost certainly see his colours carried at Royal Ascot if tentative plans work out.
The groom who came to Hong Kong with London News will remain with him and Whyte will work the horse regularly during his enforced stay here.