QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
GATTON TURF CLUB
 
FRIDAY 10TH MAY 2024
 
WEATHER – Fine
TRACK RATING – Soft 5
RAIL – +0.5m 700m-300m; True Remainder
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – C. Warren
Stewards – G. Goold, R. Hanson; L. De Witt – Rowson (Cadet)
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweights:
Race 3: 9 ALLY – J. Huxtable +0.5kg (56.5kg)
Race 7: 16 DWINDLING SPIRIT – J. Huxtable +1kg (56.5kg)
Race 9: 14 DROPS FROM THE SKY – M. Hellyer +0.5kg (55kg)
 
Stewards accepted the reasons tendered for the late scratching of NAVILLUS BUDDY (Race 1) & FABULOUS BETTY (Race 4).

 
Race 1: LADBROKE IT! MAIDEN PLATE      1600m
 
COOL PANELS – Proved reluctant to load.
 
HOLY FLASH – Bumped on jumping. Momentarily held up rounding the home turn and was obliged to shift wider to obtain clear running.
 
NOAH – Jockey C. Whiteley reported his mount was inclined to hang out throughout the event.
 
SPACE JOURNEY – Bumped on jumping. Raced wide for the majority before being eased down in the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice C. Sutherland stated that in his opinion being caught wide throughout was a telling factor in the finish and that he felt the gelding would derive a significant fitness benefit from the run being only second up from a spell. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
VAIN LUKE – Shifted in and bumped at the start and lost ground.
 
BACKLIT BEAUTY – Underwent pre-race veterinary examination after the mare was required to be re-shod and was subsequently cleared to start. Knuckled on jumping. Raced wide from the 800m.
 
PRIDE AN' JOY – Approaching the 800m, raced keenly when the pace slackened.
 
UNUSUAL MELODY – Over-raced in the early stages.
 
HIDEYO – Shifted out at the start and bumped.
 
JENNI MOREESE – Shifted out at the start and bumped.
 
MAH DRAGON – Bumped at the start.
 
 
Race 2: LIAMS GATTON BARBER SHOP QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE    1400m
 
BORN FEARLESS – Bumped on jumping.
 
HOTFOOT PERFORMER – Began awkwardly and bumped at the start.
 
FORGETS ME NOT – Bumped at the start.
 
GREY IMPACT – Raced keenly leaving the 1200m when being restrained in an effort to obtain cover. Shifted in when not fully clear of TWILIGHT SPARKLE approaching the 1100m. Jockey G. Cartwright was reprimanded for careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) for this incident. Jockey G. Cartwright reported that her mount was disappointing in its finishing effort and, in her opinion, was coming to the end of its preparation.
 
OUR BLING – Bumped at the start. Momentarily held up leaving the 400m before shifting wider to obtain clear running.
 
ROYLYN LASS – Crowded for room near the 800m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ELSIE'S ADALYN – Bumped at the start.
 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE – Began awkwardly and bumped on jumping. Inconvenienced and obliged to restrain approaching the 1100m. Shifted in near the 800m momentarily crowding ROYLYN LASS. Jockey L. Miller was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.
 
 
Race 3: BARRIER REEF POOLS QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE   1100m. 
 
UNEGA WAHY'A – Laid out approaching the 900m. Bumped near the 50m.
 
A ROYAL SORT – Delayed the start when undergoing a pre-race veterinary examination after becoming fractious in the barriers and was subsequently cleared to start. Raced in restricted room for a short distance approaching the 900m. Laid out and bumped leaving the 800m. When asked to comment on the disappointing performance Apprentice J. Williams stated that in his opinion the filly was not suited to the tight turning track.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
ALLY – Bumped at the start. Bumped leaving the 800m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Bumped near the 50m.
 
HELLO LOVELY – Bumped at the start.
 
MOONLIGHT DREAM – Bumped at the start. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
SODAMCUTE – Momentarily hampered soon after the start.
 
MISHANI DESTINY – Bumped at the start.
 
MISHANI INVINCIBLE – Laid out near the 700m.
 
BONFIRE SPARK – After beginning on terms with the field was ridden positively in the early stages and settled in a forward position, nearer the inside running rail, approaching the 900m. When asked to comment on the seemingly improved performance, Trainer O. Cairns stated that the step down in class from the filly’s first start as well as the addition of blinkers for today’s event were telling factors and the stable had expected a forward showing.
 
 
Race 4: QN NATIONAL HOTEL MAIDEN HANDICAP         1100m
 
GOING DUTCH – Began awkwardly contacting the barrier petition and shifted out.
 
JUST STOP IT – Slow to begin. Raced wide for the majority. Taken wider by another runner near the 500m.
 
NEO DIAMOND – Laid out near the 500m taking another runner wider Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Apprentice J. McMurray dropped his whip near the 50m. Raced wide for the majority.
 
RUSTIC TZAR – Began awkwardly contacting the barrier petition before being bumped. Taken wider by another runner near the 500m. Proved somewhat disappointing. When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice C. Collis stated that after being slow away, the gelding settled further back than anticipated and finished off only fairly.
 
UNO RITE – Proved reluctant to load. Raced greenly in the middle stages.
 
YONAKA – Bumped at the start. Momentarily crowded at the 700m.
 
STRAPPEROO – Laid out near the 500m.
 
SPRUCE – Shifted in abruptly at the start, shifting inside the line of the course proper running rail having to be corrected by its rider.
 
DIAMOND SPIRIT – Shifted in and bumped at the start.
 
 
Race 5: LADBROKES EASY FORM RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP  1100m
 
NEW MAHER – Bumped shortly after the start.
 
MOOTESSA – Raced keen for the majority. Laid out leaving the 900m momentarily unbalancing its rider. Laid out near the 700m and again rounding the home turn. Momentarily held up for clear running leaving the 200m before shifting out to improve and bumping with TORRE EGGER.
 
VANCOUVER QUEEN – Laid out leaving the 200m.
 
FLYING TYROL – After beginning well from the wide barrier was ridden positively in the early stages and settled in a prominent position further forward than may have been expected.
 
UNIQUE ELLE – Raced keenly approaching the 500m. Held up for clear running for a short distance leaving the 200m.
 
STAR CHANCE – Bumped at the start.
 
BY BY MUSIC – Raced wide for the majority.
 
RAINEWATER – Bumped at the start and was crowded soon after. Raced wide for the majority.
 
TORRE EGGER – Bumped shortly after the start. When commencing to weaken, was bumped near the 200m before being momentarily crowded and lost ground. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities. 
 
 
Race 6: RIDING FOR THE DISABLED BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 860m
 
MOUETTE – Raced wide for the majority.
 
HAYAI UMA – Fractious in the barriers. Near the 700m, shifted in marginally, tightening runners to the inside being quickly corrected by its rider. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities. When asked to comment on the performance, Trainer P. Webster stated it was unusual for the filly to be fractious in the barriers as well as exhibiting a lack of barrier speed and the stable was disappointed with the performance. Mr Webster further added that he intends to have the filly examined by the veterinary surgeon in the coming days with blood samples taken for analysis and will report back to Stewards should anything become apparent regarding the fillies condition.  
 
COSMIC SERENADE – Bumped near the 700m before being tightened and obliged to momentarily eased.
 
WRITTLE – Bumped shortly after the start. Near the 750m, was crowded and obliged to ease. Laid out near the 400m.
 
ILLICIATE AFFAIRS – Bumped near the 700m before laying out and bumping a further runner.
 
PALAZZO SPIRIT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination behind the barriers and was subsequently cleared to start. Raced wide for the majority. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be exhibiting upper respiratory noises.
 
EXTREMAARTY – Bumped shortly after the start. Near the 700m, laid out and bumped.
 
 
Race 7: GATTON CUP CALCUTTA - GATTON JUBILEE GOLF CLUB FRIDAY 28TH JUNE BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP       1400m
 
THE RIGHT WAY (NZ) – Began awkwardly, shifted out on jumping and bumped. Shortly after passing the winning post was inconvenienced and obliged to steady when DWINDLING SPIRIT shifted in.
 
PASSIONATE REBEL – Began awkwardly and made contact with the barrier petition. Momentarily crowded approaching the 800m. When questioned regarding the performance, Jockey M. Palmer stated that in his opinion the gelding did not back up after racing on 4 May 2024 and proved disappointing when asked for an effort.
 
JUBAI PRIDE – Crowded and obliged to ease on jumping.
 
LIKEABEEL – Raced wide for the majority.
 
JERONIMOS (NZ) – Bumped at the start. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
FEARLESS THINKING (NZ) – Raced wide for the majority.
 
THEGIRLSGOTTHIS – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
DWINDLING SPIRIT – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Shortly after passing the winning post, shifted in and inconvenienced THE RIGHT WAY (NZ). Jockey J. Huxtable was reprimanded for careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) for this incident.
 
 
Race 8: MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION CHARITY GOLF DAY - FRIDAY 28TH JUNE CLASS 1 HANDICAP         1600m
 
NAILS AND PRIDE – Shifted in on jumping and bumped. Jockey B. Ward dropped his whip near the 200m.
 
MORDECAI – Slow to begin. After beginning only fairly was restrained from the wide barrier to obtain a position nearer the rail. Shifted out to improve and bumped another runner leaving the 600m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
SECRET RED – Slow into stride. Laid out approaching the 700m.
 
BORN TO BE ALIVE – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance, Trainer A. Chau advised the instructions today were consistent with previous starts, specifically its most recent win at Beaudesert on 30 March 2024, adding that, in his opinion, the gelding performs at its best when able to stride forward in such a manner as in today s event. Mr Chau further added that the gelding appreciated today’s step up in distance.
 
METSI – Bumped leaving the 600m.
 
DESHORENTE – Bumped at the start. After beginning only fairly, was steadied in the early stages and settled in a position with cover, consequently further back in the field than may have been expected. Laid in near the 1200m.  
 
FLASH PRINCE – Bumped at the start. Raced wide for the majority.
 
WHEN DOVES FLY – Raced wide for the majority. Taken wider by another runner near the 1200m.
 
 
Race 9: TICKETS ON SALE NOW - 2024 LADBROKES GATTON CUP - SAT 29TH JUNE BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP       2000m
 
MR DUDWEY– Bumped leaving the 600m.
 
SEA TREASURES (NZ) – Bumped near the 600m when shifting out in an effort to improve before being momentarily crowded. Apprentice R. Thorburn was reminded of his obligations pursuant to AR 131(b) to ensure he rides his mounts out to the finish of the event.
 
BRAVE BOY – Connections advised it would be the intention to have the gelding ridden in a midfield position if circumstances permit. After beginning only fairly, settled in a rearward position. Bumped shortly after the start.
 
IDEEL HERO – Raced keenly at the 1100m.
 
TAVIESLASS (NZ) – Bumped at the start. Raced wide for the majority.
 
COME ON EILEEN – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was subsequently cleared to start. Raced wide from the 1200m. Bumped leaving the 600m.
 
KAIWI – Fractious in the barriers. Bumped at the start. Raced wide until the 1200m. Placed pressure from the 700m, commenced to give ground from the 400m and eased down in the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey K. Matheson stated his mount never travelled comfortably throughout the event and once his mount commenced to yield ground despite his urgings he elected not to place it under any further pressure. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.

FAT FINGERS (NZ) – After beginning well from the outside barrier, and being posted wide in the early stages, was permitted to stride forward and obtain an on pace position nearer the running rail passing the 1400m.
 
MAGIC MIKEY (NZ) – Bumped shortly after the start.
 
DROPS FROM THE SKY – Stood flat footed as the start was effected and lost significant ground. Trainer B. Robinson was advised a warning would be placed on the mare  as a result.
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 2: Jockey G. Cartwright – AR 131(a) – careless riding- Reprimand
Race 7: Jockey J. Huxtable – AR 131(a) – careless riding- Reprimand
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses sampled pre-race
Race 1: JENNI MOREESE
Race 3: HELLO LOVELY
Race 6: MOUETTE
Race 8: BLESSTAS
Race 9: COME ON EILEEN, FIDDLER ONTHE ROOF
 
Horses sampled post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 9- DROPS FROM THE SKY – Warning – Stood flat footed.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 2: 18e TWILIGHT SPARKLE – L. Miller
Race 3: 14e MISHANI DESTINY – T. Orr (a3/55kg),
Race 3: 15e MISHANI INVINCIBLE – L. Tarrant
Race 3: 16e BONFIRE SPARK – M. Wishart
Race 4: 17e HIT – S. Cormack
Race 5: 16e BY BY MUSIC – A. Donald (a0/50kg),
Race 6: 12e PALAZZO SPIRIT – N. Thomas
Race 6: 13e EXTREMAARTY – M. Hellyer
Race 6: 14e SONGZILLA – C. Graham (a0/50kg),
Race 6: 16e LAST LAUGH – S. Willis (a2/48kg),
Race 8: 14e FLASH PRINCE – R. Thorburn (a2/52kg),
 
Late scratchings
Race 1: 14e NAVILLUS BUDDY (Late Stew: 0746)
Race 4: 20e FABULOUS BETTY (Late Stew:0846)
 
The matters contained within this Stewards report may be subject to external review.  The Racing Appeals Panel manages external reviews and the Racing Appeals Panel publishes its decisions on its website.
 
This report and the Stewards Comments for this meeting may be amended at any time, at the sole discretion of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards as races are reviewed.