Auckland Reactor was struck down by co ordination problems in his hind quarters before the Jewels at Cambridge last month and had to be withdrawn.

"No hard and fast conclusions were reached today but the Professor, who is a specialist neurologist (nerve system) in the type of problem we believe the horse has suffered, suggested a convalescence period of 12 weeks," Purdon said.

The professor prescribed no immediate treatment as such. His summary was based largely on what co trainer Purdon had told him what the colt endured for the first few days after being struck down in Auckland.

Professor Mayher largely agreed that the colt probably became cast in his box, perhaps hurting his neck which in turn caused pressure on his spinal cord," Purdon said.

"He suggested he should be boxed for six weeks and only walked out under control for brief periods during the day, followed by another six weeks out in the paddock."

Purdon said he had been boxing the colt at night and letting him out in his paddock during the day.

The Professor's assistance was actually sought by Dr Bishop who maintained he was the most learned and specialized in New Zealand in the suspected type of injury Auckland Reactor had suffered.

If the suggested 12 week recovery period is pursued, Purdon agreed that would completely rule out any possibility of Auckland Reactor racing at the Cup carnival in mid November.

Asked if that disappointed him, Purdon replied: "No, not really, I just want to see the best done for the horse so we can get him back."

Don Wright