New Zealand trainer Gary Hennessy will be asked to explain reports Ocean Park was the possible victim of foul play leading to his race morning scratching from the Australian Derby.
In an interview with the Waikato Times, Hennessy expressed concerns the colt may have been “nobbled”.
He was found to have heat in a fetlock joint forcing his withdrawal but was given a clean bill of health just two days later.
Hennessy told the newspaper the injury and recovery was a mystery.
“It’s just hard to fathom how it’s come about. It’s just a mystery,” Hennessy said.
“He worked on Friday morning as normal and he was sound as a bell afterwards, and I showed him to the owners on Friday afternoon.
“I don’t know how it could have happened. He’s such a quiet horse in his box.”
“I don’t want to go pointing fingers but it does raise questions.”
Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy said Hennessy had not communicated any concerns to authorities.
“We have had no approaches from Mr Hennessy,” he said.
“We will be asking the New Zealand head of integrity Cameron George to contact him and let us know if there is any evidence of tampering.”
Ocean Park was the heavily supported third favourite for the classic after being paid up as a late entry following his second to Laser Hawk in the Rosehill Guineas.
