Ohoka Punter’s Perth Inter Dominion quest is over and his harness racing future is in limbo.

A stressful 10 days ended in heartbreak for new trainer Gary Hall Sr and connections when they scratched the star pacer today.

Last Sunday week Ohoka Punter set the Byford track alight winning a trial, but two days later he was rushed to the vet clinic with a bout of colic.

“He seemed to recover quickly and bounce-back, but crunch time came this morning when we had to give him a serious workout. He didn’t feel right,” Hall Sr said.

Ohoka Punter was found to have a lung infection.

“It’s like the colic knocked his immune system around,” Hall Sr said. “There’s no way we could’ve pushed-on.”

Hall Sr said Ohoka Punter would be spelled and connections would then decide on his racing future.

Ohoka Punter’s scratching saw Hectorjayjay shorten to $2.70 favourite on the Aussie TAB with defending champion Lennytheshark a clear $3.30 second elect.

Mark Purdon’s star pacer Smolda is into $15 third elect.

By Adam Hamilton