New Zealand-bred sprinter Lucky Sweynesse has been ruled out of the rest of the season after suffering an injury during his victory in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The son of Sweynesse returned to form after unplaced runs in the Gr.1 The Queen’s Jubilee Cup (1400m) and Gr.1 The Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) but pulled up injured following his weekend heroics.

"Unfortunately, he's injured," trainer Manfred Man told the South China Morning Post. "He has a fracture in his fetlock. When he turned into the straight, he stumbled, and I think it happened then."

The injury has ruled Lucky Sweynesse out for the rest of the season, meaning he won't be able to defend his title in the Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) later this month.

A media release from the Hong Kong Jockey Club noted that Lucky Sweynesse will require surgery for his injury before a period of rest and rehabilitation.

Despite the outcome, Man remains upbeat about the four-time Group One winner’s return to racing.  

"It's a shame but it's still early, so we'll see," Man said. "Hopefully he'll be fine in three to four months."