Ear infection grounds jockey Kerrin McEvoy

Sydney jockey Kerrin McEvoy is unable to ride Pakistan Star in the Group One QEII Cup at Sha Tin because of illness.

McEvoy was stood down after two races at the Hawkesbury on Saturday and diagnosed with an ear infection which has prevented him from flying to Hong Kong for Sunday’s meeting.

“I’ve been battling an ear infection since Wednesday,” McEvoy tweeted before leaving Hawkesbury.

McEvoy had nine rides on the 10-race program at Sha Tin with Pakistan Star the focal point.

McEvoy was also to ride the former Les Bridge-trained Southern Legend in the Champion’s Mile.

Silvestre De Sousa was originally booked for Pakistan Star but was substituted because of uncertainty over suitable travel arrangements from England to Hong Kong.

McEvoy rode the Kris Lees-trained Graff to his second successive win in the Clarendon Stakes (1300m) and then missed his seven remaining rides.