QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
GATTON RACE CLUB
 
GATTON - FRIDAY 24TH MAY 2024
 
WEATHER – FINE  TRACK RATING – GOOD 4       RAIL – +0.5M 700-275M; TRUE REMAINDER
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – C. Warren                   
Stewards – S. Fletcher, A. Brook, T. Preston & E. Tickner
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Warwick - Thursday 9 May 2024 - GERAN RACING BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (1500 METRES)
PREPOTENT – Stewards questioned Jockey S. Cormack in relation to his riding in the home straight , in particular his decision to shift wider approaching the 200m resulting in the gelding becoming momentarily awkwardly placed on heels before being shifted wider, when it did appear that an ample run had presented to PREPOTENTS immediate front at that time. Jockey Cormack stated he had been advised that the gelding had a tendency to hang-out, and subsequently he was mindful of the gelding’s racing manners throughout the event, so once his mount commenced to lay out soon after entering the home straight and a runner to his inside was shifting out, he therefore elected to shift out to avoid that runner’s heels. Jockey Cormack agreed in hindsight that maintaining his original line would have been more advantageous option however was concerned with becoming awkwardly placed on heels at the time. Stewards noted the explanation and in considering the matter noted that there had been no tangible impediment to the geldings chances to finish in the best possible position as a result of Jockey Cormacks actions.
 
Eagle Farm Trackwork
AppZ. Sprie was fined $200 under AR113 for using his mobile phone whilst mounted on a horse at trackwork at Eagle Farm. Stewards noted App Spries guilty plea and notable remorse as well as his unblemished record in relation to the rule. App Sprie was advised of his rights to an appeal.
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweights:
Race 3- DROPS FROM THE SKY – M. Hellyer +1kg (55kg)
              EXTASSY – A. Thompson +1kg (55kg)
Race 8- PARUES – S. Collett +0.5kg (54.5kg) ­­
 
When Apprentice M. Castle was not riding due to personal reasons, Stewards permitted replacements as per the Stewards Race-day Summary.
 
 
Race 1: LADBROKES RACING CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP (860m)
 
RAPT IN PINK – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
LOADED GUN – Laid-out rounding the home-turn.
 
QUEEN NINA (NZ) – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages. Hung-out for majority of the event.  
 
VIGANOTTO – Declared a late scratching of the mare on veterinary advice at the 8:35am after being fractious during transport to the course. Trainer A. Chau was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
WET FAT CAT – Trainer B. Davis was reprimanded under AR206(2) for failing to present the gelding with the cross-over noseband. Began very awkwardly and shifted out.
 
DOLLY'S A NATURAL – Taken wider by another runner on jumping. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
BOITUMELO – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority.
 
STARSPANGLE PLANET – Hung-out rounding the home-turn.
 
 
Race 2: BARRIER REEF POOLS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE (860m)
 
LEVAR – Late scratching at 11:34am after becoming fractious in the tie-ups. Trainer M. Hoystead was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
SHADOW MISTRESS – Late scratching at 11:34am on Stewards’ orders after failing to arrive on course and efforts to contact connections proved unsuccessful. Stewards intend to inquire into the reasons for the filly failing to arrive on course.
 
Prior to the declaration of correct weight all monies invested on LEVAR and SHADOW MISTRESS were ordered to be refunded with the following deductions applicable to all successful wagers placed prior to 11:34am:

57cent in the dollar for the win
43cents in the dollar for the place on the winner
45cents in the dollar for 2nd place
55cents in the dollar for 3rd place
 
 
 
MY SICADA – Late scratching at 11:50am after refusing to load. Trainer G. Banks was advised the gelding would be required to obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.

CRYPTO KING – Late scratching at 11:50am after refusing to load. Trainer P. Duff was advised the gelding would be required to obtain two further barrier certificates, one of which must be obtained at an official Barrier Trial, prior to again being permitted to start in a race.
 
 
Prior to the declaration of correct weight all monies invested on MY SICADA and CRYPTO KING were ordered to be refunded with the following deductions applicable to all successful wagers placed prior to 11:50am:
 
18 cent in the dollar for the win
13 cents in the dollar for the place on the winner
20 cents in the dollar for 2nd place
32 cents in the dollar for 3rd place
 
 
 
ABOUT RIGHT – Slow into stride. Improved into restricted room approaching the 600m and contacted the running rail. Raced keenly for some distance thereafter. Apprentice D. Bennett, in the presence of Jockey Mentor R. Fradd was advised to desist from attempting marginal runs when there was insufficient space to do so.
 
BRAVE COWBOY BILL – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly on heels leaving the 600m. Held-up for clear running rounding the home-turn. Laid out under pressure in the home straight. Became awkwardly placed on heels passing the winning post.
 
HERMANITA – Laid out under pressure in the home straight. Shied passing the winning post and shifted wider abruptly.
 
LETTERS OF ROMANCE – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Momentarily crowded leaving the 200m.
 
LOOK IT'S LUCY – Raced greenly under pressure in the home straight. Shied passing the winning post and shifted wider abruptly.
 
 
Race 3: ROCK TRADE INDUSTRIES BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (2000m)
 
SEMAPHORE GIRL – Restrained in the early stages and shifted behind runners from the wide barrier.
 
SEA TREASURES (NZ) – Bumped leaving the 1700m. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
CHASSAGNE – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
PRESLEY – Fractious prior to the start being effected. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
CALM BUCKLE (NZ) – Bumped on jumping before being slow into stride.
 
FAT FINGERS (NZ) – Raced wide and without cover until the 1500m before being permitted to stride forward to obtain the lead.
 
METSI – Slow to begin.
 
DESHORENTE – Raced keenly in the early stages. Obliged to momentarily steady from heels passing the winning post on the first occasion. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
DROPS FROM THE SKY – Held-up rounding the home-turn and in the early part of the home straight for clear-running.
 
HELEN'S DREAM – After beginning only fairly from the wide barrier was ridden conservatively in the early stages to obtain a position with cover. Leaving the 1700m, improved onto heels having to be restrained and shifted wider bumping with SEA TREASURES before becoming awkwardly placed on that runner’s heels for a short distance. Improved onto heels approaching the 1100m steadied and obliged to be shifted wider. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
EXTASSY – Bumped on jumping. Shifted in leaving the 1700m momentarily inconveniencing DESHORENTE. Jockey A. Thompson was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances. Finished tailed off. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Trainer G. Barbierato was advised a warning would be placed on the mare’s record for being uncompetitive.
 
 
Race 4: LADBROKES BET TICKER MAIDEN HANDICAP (1400m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards to view the official photo-finish for third place. Once satisfied that there was a margin present, correct weight was declared on the Judges semaphored numbers. 
 
HELLUVA SOIREE – Bumped on jumping before being hampered and losing ground.
 
ZETER – Required re-saddling on arriving at the barriers. Trainer V Burton was advised to ensure all gear is appropriately fitted to runners under her charge in future. Bumped on jumping. Commenced to race fiercely when being crossed near the 1300m. Whilst over-racing, laid out and bumped near the 1300m. Hung-out and raced ungenerously for a majority of the event thereafter. Trainer V. Burton was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s racing manners.
 
FAMILY BONDING – Bumped on jumping. Raced four-wide and without cover throughout the event. Laid-out rounding the home-turn. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying cardiac arrhythmia. As this was the first such occurrence Trainer A. Perks was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance including an ECG prior to completing a satisfactory 1000m gallop before racing again. 
 
MISS WEDNESDAY – When questioned regarding the performance, Trainer T. Churchill advised connections would consider the fillies immediate racing future and would likely leave the stable. Jockey J. Taylor advised in his opinion the filly failed to see out the distance of the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE – Raced keenly in the middle stages and improved onto heels approaching the 700m. Held-up rounding the home-turn. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
VADAMOON (NZ) – Momentarily held-up rounding the home-turn.

GOTTA HAVE FUN (NZ) – Bumped on jumping.
 
NOAH – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
LUCIFER THE CAT – Permitted as a late scratching at 8:55am. Trainer V. Venkaya was reprimanded under AR181 for failing to scratch the gelding by the prescribed time. In assessing penalty, Stewards noted the gelding was an emergency and had not affected any runner obtaining a run.
 
 
Race 5: DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH - CALL 1800 RESPECT BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP          (1400m)
 
INVINCIBLE LEGEND – Began awkwardly.
 
SCENIC RIM – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
SEMPREINTE – Laid-out for some distance approaching the 1200m. Raced keenly on heels leaving the 800m. Held-up rounding the home-turn. Shifted in leaving the 100m resulting SOKUDO becoming momentarily awkwardly placed on heels. Jockey K. Zechner was reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding.
 
GREEK STAR – Blundered on jumping. Shifted in marginally approaching the 800m, inconveniencing SOKUDO which was obliged to check. Apprentice D. Bennett was severely reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding.
 
DWINDLING SPIRIT – Raced keenly on heels leaving the 800m and shifted wider.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
BIE'RES – Bumped on jumping. Raced wide and without cover from the 800m.
 
STAR SEEKER – Began awkwardly and bumped on jumping. Failed to muster sufficient early speed and subsequently settled further back than may have been expected. Laid out rounding the home-turn. Apprentice T. Fenlon advised the mare failed to travel throughout the event after being hampered on jumping. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
SIENNA'S AWARD – Raced keenly on heels approaching the 1200m for some distance.
 
SOKUDO – Checked and lost ground approaching the 800m when tightened for room. Momentarily awkwardly placed on heels leaving the 100m.  
 
FLASH ZARIZ – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
Race 6: GATES, DOORS, FLOORS PTY LTD RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP (1400m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards to view footage of the start. Once satisfied that all runners had been afforded a fair start, correct weight was declared on the Judges semaphored numbers.
 
KUZCO LAD – Became awkwardly placed on heels when attempting to restrain to obtain a position with cover approaching the 1200m.
 
UNION SPIRIT – Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
DELORME – Bumped on jumping.
 
JIMMY NEUTRON – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly when crowded and having to be steadied approaching the 1300m. Laid out becoming momentarily awkwardly placed on heels near the 700m.
 
STAR CHANCE – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly on heels near the 100m. Laid-out rounding the home-turn.
 
CONEY ISLAND BABY – Slow to begin.
 
MONDAY MONDAY – Bumped on jumping. Momentarily crowded near the 100m.
 
MAPLE MAGIC – Bumped on jumping. Laid in abruptly soon after straightening becoming momentarily awkwardly placed on heels, having to steady before being shifted wider to obtain clear running.
 
GERTIE GOER – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start being effected, rearing on two occasions. Began awkwardly. Co-trainer C. Geran was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record in relation to its barrier manners.
 
VULTURE STREET – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ALERT AND READY – Slow to begin before being shifted behind runners to obtain a position with cover in the early stages.
 
 
Race 7: GATTON CUP CALCUTTA - GATTON JUBILEE GOLF CLUB FRIDAY 28TH JUNE RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP (1400m)
 
BORN TO BE ALIVE – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
KOOLATAH (NZ) – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly approaching the 600m and laid out for some distance thereafter. Shifted wider across heels approaching the 200m to obtain clear running.
 
BENEDICT ARNOLD – Raced wide and without cover until obtaining the lead approaching the 800m. Commenced to tire noticeably from the 400m. Bumped the running rail entering the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey R. Jamieson stated the gelding was better suited in events where it was able to obtain and dictate the lead more easily than it had been able to do so today. She further added the gelding was better suited over further distances, adding that its most recent performance over similar distance, the gelding had been freshened prior to performing well. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying cardiac arrhythmia. As this was the first such occurence Trainer J. Dunn was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance including an ECG prior to completing a satisfactory 1000m gallop before racing again. 
 
CYGNET RIVER – Bumped on jumping.
 
ROMAN HEIR – Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
TOMBOY'S SPIRIT – Blundered on entering the home straight. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
RAPID DUDE – From the wide barrier shifted behind runners in the early stages. Held-up for clear running approaching the 400m before improving onto heels approaching the 300m and benig obliged to steady.
 
SKILLED ARTIST – Bumped before being hampered on jumping.
 
 
Race 8: MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION CHARITY GOLF DAY - FRIDAY 28TH JUNE CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1100m)
 
RAOUL – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages. Obliged to restrain from heels leaving the 900m.
 
LA SOEUR – Trainer G. Ryan was fined $100 under LR67(1) for the late declaration of Jockey S. Cormack as the jockey of the gelding. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
FASTHEARTBEAT – Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
KITRI – Bumped on jumping. Weakened over the concluding stages. App C. Graham stated that the filly only travelled fairly throughout the event,and expressed disappointment with the overall performance.
 
MOOTESSA – Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced keenly on heels for some distance leaving the 900m. Laid-out rounding the home-turn.
 
TIJUANA TWO STEP – Slow to begin. When queried regarding the performance Jockey Apthorpe advised that it had been his intention to settle in a more forward position however after being slow away and beaten for speed in the early stages he had elected to settle in a rearward position in an effort to finish the race off, however having to be shifted excessively wide in the home straight to obtain clear running had also been to his mount chances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be displaying signs of tying-up.
 
EVELYN’S JOY – Jockey A. Thompson pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding in that leaving the 900m he did exercise insufficient effort in preventing his mount from shifting in, into the line of SHAJAEA which was obliged to check before being dictated inwards onto PARUES which was tightened for room and obliged to restrain and lost its rightful running. RAOUL, which was trailing PARUES, was also obliged to restrain from heels as a result. Jockey Thompson’s license to ride in races was subsequently suspended for a period of 10 days, commencing Sunday, 2 June 2024 up to and including Tuesday, 11 June 2024. In assessing penalty, Stewards determined the interference and carelessness to be in the low range as well as considering Jockey Thompsons guilty plea. Stewards also noted the racing manners of SHAKAEA and EVELYN’S JOY leading into the incident and that some corrective effort, albeit insufficient in the view of Stewards, was made by Jockey Thompson, which were deemed to be mitigating factors. Jockey Thompsons poor recent record in relation to the rule was also considered. Jockey Thompson was advised of his rights to an appeal.
 
HIDDEN MELODY – Began awkwardly and bumped on jumping.
 
SHAJAEA – Raced keenly in the early stages. Approaching the 900m, obliged to check from heels when dictated inwards. Over-raced for some distance thereafter.
 
UNIQUE ELLE – Bumped on jumping. Bumped when weakening over the concluding stages.
 
PARUES – Placed in restricted room leaving the 900m when tightened and obliged to restrain.
 
SMILING ZAC (NZ) – Bumped on jumping. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
NORTHERN STAR – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
 
 
Race 9: TICKETS ON SALE NOW - 2024 LADBROKES GATTON CUP SAT 29TH JUNE RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP   (1100m)
 
BEAU WITNESS – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Raced keenly on heels near the 700m for some distance and was obliged to steady.
 
SONGZILLA – Carried wider soon after the start.
 
HAYAKU – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after becoming fractious, rearing, and making heavy contact with the mounting yard fence and passed fit to start. App B. Youngberry, whom was dislodged in the incident, was examined by QAS officers and deemed free of injury and fit to fulfill her engagement. Trainer A. Chau was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record.
 
GIDGET – Shifted out soon after the start carrying HIT out into the line of SONGZILLA. Apprentice L. Sykes was advised to exercise greater care and employ greater efforts, sooner, to correct his mounts shifts in similar circumstances.
 
CITY CHICK – Raced wide and without cover for a majority of the event.
 
FLYING D'AMORE – Began awkwardly, bumped heavily and lost ground as a result.
 
LITTLEMISSCANCAN – Laid out and obliged to steady off heels approaching the 600m. Shifted out abruptly rounding the home-turn to obtain clear running.
 
MISS ZERMATT – Began awkwardly and bumped. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
HIT – Carried wider soon after the start. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 1 – B. Davis – AR206(3) – Present with Incorrect Gear – Reprimand
Race 4 – V. Venkaya – AR181 – Failure to Scratch by Prescribed Time – Reprimand
Race 5 – App D. Bennett – (AR131(a) – Careless Riding – Severe Reprimand
Race 5 – Jockey K. Zechner – (AR131(a) – Careless Riding – Reprimand
 
Fines
General – App Z. Sprie – AR113 – Phone whilst mounted at Trackwork - $200
Race 8 – Trainer G. Ryan – LR67(1) – Late Rider - $100

Suspensions
Race 8 – A. Thompson – AR131(a) – Careless Riding – 10 Days – Sunday, 2 June 2024 up to and including Tuesday 11 June 2024
 
Absent jockeys
M. Castle – Personal Reasons
 
Adjourned inquiries         
Race 2 – SHADOW MISTRESS – Failure to arrive on course – Late Scratching
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
CHASSAGNE, HELEN’S DREAM, NOAH, DRIALLE, KITRI 
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 – VIGANOTTO – Veterinary Clearance – Fractious During Transport
Race 2 – LEVAR – Veterinary Clearance – Late Scratching
Race 2 – MY SICADA – Suspension – Refused to load
Race 2 – CRYPTO KING – Suspension – Refused to load
Race 4 – ZETER – Warning – Racing Manners
Race 4 – FAMILY BONDING – Veterinary Clearance and 1000m gallop – Cardiac Arrhythmia
Race 5 – GERTIE GOER – Warning – Fractious in the Barriers
Race 7 – BENEDICT ARNOLD - Veterinary Clearance and 1000m gallop – Cardiac Arrhythmia
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 2:         OUR BLING - Ms Samantha Collett
                     LOOK IT’S LUCY - Ms Georgina Cartwright
Race 3:         CALM BUCKLE (NZ) - Ms Madeleine Wishart
                     EXTASSY - Adin Thompson
Race 5:         STAR SEEKER - Ms Tahlia Fenlon (a0/50kg),
                     SOKUDO - Sean Cormack
                     FLASH ZARIZ - Ms Madeleine Wishart
Race 7:         TOMBOY’S SPIRIT - Ms Madeleine Wishart
                     BUIN ROAD - Ms Alisha Donald (a0/50kg),
Race 8:         LA SOEUR - Sean Cormack
                     UNIQUE ELLE - Ms Rikki Jamieson
                     PARUES - Ms Samantha Collett
                     SMILING ZAC (NZ) - Jace McMurray (a3/52kg),
                     NORTHERN STAR - Ms Shania Willis (a2/48kg),
Race 9:          MISS ZERMATT - Ms Colleen Krahnen (a3/50kg)
 
Late scratchings
Race 1 – VIGANOTTO – Late Scratching at 8:25am
Race 2 – SHADOW MISTRESS & LEVAR – Late Scratching at 11:34am
Race 2 – MY SICADA & CRYPTO KING – Late Scratching at 11:50am
 
 
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.