Pakistan Star in the headlines again for the wrong reasons

Clinton Payne - Thursday October 19

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.

"I don't think anybody really understands just how bad the situation with this horse really is," Cruz told the South China Morning Post. "Cody was just acting out of instinct.

"He was flicking it around his legs. It was just to get him to go."

Pakistan Star gained a cult following on social media platforms last year with his last to first heroics but in June he pulled up in the early stages of a Group III race as the $1.20 favourite then did it again earlier this month in a barrier trial.

The five-year-old is currently under a stewards' ban.

After the October 3 trial performance, 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."

Advertisment
More Reading...
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.
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.
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.
Hong Kong stewards crack down on Pakistan Star
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 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.
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.
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.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
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.