Hong Kong stewards crack down on Pakistan Star

Tom Walter - Thursday October 5

The racetrack career of internet sensation Pakistan Star is hanging in the balance after Hong Kong stewards laid out strict terms for the horse's return to competition.

Pakistan Star. Photo: Grant Courtney

Pakistan Star refused to gallop shortly after the start of a 1600m barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday despite the urgings of rider Joao Moreira.

Moreira was also in the saddle in Pakistan Star's last race start on June 25 at Sha Tin when the Hong Kong enigma inexplicably failed to stretch out in almost identical circumstances.

After interviewing both Moreira and the trainer Tony Cruz, stewards ruled that Pakistan Star must undergo rigorous testing before having his embargo lifted, comprising two satisfactory track gallops along the back straight at Sha Tin and then if successful, take part in a further two barrier trials over 1600m.

The stewards' decision was made "in order to protect the interests of all parties concerned."

Pakistan Star's exciting get back-run on racing pattern has endeared himself to the punting public worldwide but Tuesday's misdemeanour has Cruz reconciled to the horse missing the Group I Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at December's International meeting.

"The International races in December? Forget it, he might not even race this season," Cruz told the South China Morning Post.

Despite Cruz's concession, he remains determined to rectify Pakistan Star's wayward ways.

"I'm going to try and erase this stupid habit he has, and the great thing is that the owner and club are giving us plenty of time to do what we want," he said.

"It's not a simple thing you can erase. Horses, like humans, have habits. It just goes to show a horse like him recognises places and faces, and that he is a thinker and he has a good memory.

You can't get rid of it right away. It's not easy to rectify this type of problem and I suppose if I can't fix it he will go elsewhere, but I'm confident I can do it."

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Churchill Colt Pulls Off Stunning Pinhooking Result at NZB Ready To Run
Chad Ormsby has enjoyed plenty of racetrack success this year with pinhooks that he has been unable to sell at the Ready to Run Sale, but the multi-talented horseman had a very different outcome with the standout member of his 2024 Riverrock Farm draft at Karaka on Thursday.
Pakistan Star up to his old tricks
The racetrack career of Hong Kong sprinter Pakistan Star may be over after the enigmatic sprinter pulled himself up - again.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
Pakistan Star in the headlines again for the wrong reasons
The assistant trainer of Hong Kong conditioner Tony Cruz has been fined by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for flicking a ‘buggy’ whip in the direction of Pakistan Star Cody Mo Wai-kit was fined HK$7500 for the breach under local trackwork regulations.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
Castelvecchio Out for Remainder of Season
Aeliana’s late charge into second place in the $1.5million Group I MRC Thousand Guineas last Saturday stamped her as the filly to follow out of the race, but it wasn’t quite enough to put her sire Castelvecchio to the top of the second season sires list and he is now out of service at Arrowfield following surgery last week.
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Million-dollar Hour for Leung at NZB Ready To Run
Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung had a big hour at Karaka early on Thursday afternoon, spending more than $1 million to secure two well-credentialled colts at the NZB Ready to Run Sale.