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.

Advertisement
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...
National Online Breeding Stock Sale online now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
Flying Artie 2YO Wins by Four!
Blue Gum Farm have an appealing roster of three sires for this spring and while it’s all in front of Sejardan and Oxley Road, proven favourite Flying Artie remains unbeatable value and the G1 sire produced a four length 2YO winner 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.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 Tatts Tiara
With Royal Ascot done and dusted for another year, let's turn our attention to the final G1 of the Australian racing season as some very expensive mares seek to land that elusive G1 and three runners will carry the Yulong colours!
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
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.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Trial action was at Randwick on Friday and there were six heats for juveniles that included some interesting unraced youngsters highlighted by the full brother to a promising young sire, a well bred son of Farnan and an Extreme Choice filly.
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.