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 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."
