Frankie Dettori will miss Newbury's meeting on Saturday, it was revealed today.
The Italian ace is instead going to Hong Kong to partner Godolphin's Iscan in the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Dettori's defection comes at a time when the Flat season is just beginning to move up a gear.
He misses out on an important Classic trial, the Lane's End Greenham Stakes, as well as the Watership Down Stud John Porter Stakes and the Tote Bookmakers Spring Cup.
Dettori's agent Andrew Stringer said: "Frankie is riding at Newbury on Friday, but unfortunately he can't be there on Saturday and ride in Hong Kong.
"Godolphin is Frankie's number-one retainer and he will go wherever he is required by them."
Dettori will be back far from the Far East in good time to take part in the three-day Craven Meeting at Newmarket beginning on Tuesday.
"Nothing's been finalised regarding what Frankie will ride at Newmarket just yet," said Stringer. "It really depends on Darley Stud's running plans as they have second call on his services.
"Frankie's quite content with the way things are going. The season is only just starting to get going and he's got some nice horses to look forward to."
