QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB
 
GATTON - SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2024
 
WEATHER – Fine  TRACK RATING – Soft 5           RAIL – True
 
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E. Tickner
Stewards – C. Warren, T. Preston, R. Hanson & P. Reardon
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Toowoomba Trackwork – Saturday, 29 June 2024
 
Ms B. Mackie pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR113 in that she did use her mobile phone whilst mounted at Toowoomba Trackwork on 29 June 2024. Ms Mackie was subsequently fined the sum of $200. Ms Mackie was advised of her rights to an appeal.
 
 
GENERAL
 
Jockey M. Savva pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR218(4)(b) in that she did have in her possession and was found to have been using her mobile phone in the Female Jockeys’ room during the meeting. Jockey Savva was subsequently fined the sum of $400. In considering penalty, Stewards noted the particular circumstances of the breach, Jockey Savva’s unblemished record in relation to the rule, remorse and guilty plea. Jockey Savva was advised of her rights to an appeal.
 
Stewards permitted the follow overweights at the meeting:
 
Race 8, NO. 12 INDENTED HEAD - Jockey A Allen +0.5kg - (54.4kg)
 
When Apprentice A. Donald was indisposed due to injury and Apprentice M. Goring was unavailable, Stewards permitted replacements as per the Stewards’ Race-day Summary.
 
 
Race 1: RDO EQUIPMENT GATTON BENCHMARK 62 Handicap (1400m)
 
Declaration of correct weight was delayed allowing Jockey N. Tomizawa (ROCKIN’ ARTIE) to view the patrol footage of the home straight to ascertain whether any grounds for an objection against VONZITHER were present. After viewing the available footage, Jockey Tomizawa elected to not proceed with any objection and when Stewards were similarly satisfied, correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
FLYING BIRDS – Shifted out to improve leaving the 500m and bumped with SEMPREINTE. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
OVERSEAS (NZ) – Obliged to be shifted wider leaving the 400m to obtain clear running when improving onto the heels of the tiring DOUBLE SCOOP.
 
ROCKIN' ARTIE – Shifted out and bumped on entering the home straight.
 
SEMPREINTE – Bumped leaving the 500m when FLYING BIRDS attempted to shift out to obtain clear running. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
VONZITHER – Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped. Raced keenly for a short distance near the 1000m.  Shifted in and bumped on entering the home straight.
 
KING TARIK – Raced keenly for a short distance near the 1000m. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
KNIGHT BATCHELOR – Bumped on jumping. Laid out for some distance passing the 600m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
WANDA'S OUTLAW – Slow into stride. Raced keenly for a short distance leaving the 1000m.
 
HELL FOLLOWS – Slow into stride. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
DOUBLE SCOOP – Commenced to buck soon after the start and continued to do so for some distance. Raced keenly near the 1200m. Raced wide from the 1000m after shifting wider when improving onto heels. Commenced to give ground from the 400m and subsequently was eased down over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities. Trainer G. Thornton undertook to advise should anything become apparent regarding the mare’s condition in the coming days. Trainer G. Thornton was advised the mare would be required to trial satisfactorily prior to again being permitted to start in a race.
 
Following the running of this event Jockey A. Thompson was examined by QAS officers and deemed unfit to fulfil his remaining engagements due to illness. Jockey Thompson was advised he would require a medical clearance prior to race riding again. Rider replacements were subsequently made as per Stewards race-day summary.
 
 
Race 2: BACHMANN REAL ESTATE BENCHMARK 62 Handicap (860m)
 
I AM FEARLESS – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Apprentice C. Sutherland reported that after being caught wide, the gelding was unable to obtain the lead in its customary position. He further added the gelding felt somewhat uncomfortable in the run and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
MISS DE BLAAS – Bumped on jumping. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
PALAZZO SPIRIT – After beginning only fairly from a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.
 
LEVAR – Slow into stride and was momentarily crowded between runners soon after. Raced keenly on heels near the 700m and was obliged to be shifted wider. Momentarily hampered when IGBO shifted in whilst racing keenly near the 500m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. proving somewhat difficult to ride out. Performed below market expectations.  Apprentice E. Lang advised that, in her opinion, her mount being slow away proved significantly detrimental to the gelding’s chances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
TWOSEY – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
POCKET SAGE – Slow into stride.
 
IGBO – Shifted in marginally when not fully clear of LEVAR near the 500m. Jockey M. Wishart was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.
 
MISS HELMUT – Bumped on jumping.
 
 
Race 3: LOCKYER VALLEY TOYOTA QTIS Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate (860m)
 
INVISIBLE TARGET – Laid in near the 600m for some distance.
 
MY SUNSET – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
QUEEN EMILY – After beginning on terms from the wide barrier was unable to muster the necessary speed required to maintain contact with the field and consequently settled in a trailing position. Finished tailed off. Trainer J. Smerdon was advised a warning would be placed on the filly for the poor performance.
 
TAKE A BOW – Slow into stride and was momentarily crowded soon after. Improved onto heels and was momentarily crowded and bumped on entering the home straight.
 
KOOL BRUCE – Bumped passing the 600m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
BOYSAREBACKINTOWN – Bumped passing the 600m. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
JUST CLIFFY – Laid out passing the 700m. Bumped on entering the home straight. Shifted in and around heels to obtain clear running leaving the 200m.
 
 
Race 4: HARMAN CONCRETING QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Plate (860m)
 
BRAVE COWBOY BILL – Laid out near the 700m for some distance.
 
KRAKEN EDITION – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
PADAM PADAM – Laid out approaching the 400m for some distance. Bumped passing the 200m when COTTO attempted to obtain clear running. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
TEQUILA STEALER – Laid out approaching the 400m for some distance. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
VIKING VALOUR- Laid out approaching the 400m for some distance. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
BUCKS FIZZ – Laid out approaching the 400m for some distance. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
DIBBA DOBBA – Became awkwardly placed on heels near the 700m, steadied and shifted in. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
SUMMER BRIDE – Laid out passing the 700m for some distance. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
COTTO – Reared as the start was effected and lost ground. Momentarily held up for clear running on entering the home straight. Shifted wider to improve into a marginal run near the 200m and bumped with PADAM PADAM.
 
 
Race 5: FALVEY'S HOTEL - OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY OF THE GATTON CUP Maiden Handicap (1400m)
 
OCEAN HONOUR – Momentarily awkwardly placed on heels soon after the start. Shifted in abruptly leaving the 1000m when racing keenly and momentarily hampered GARTAN.
 
DOLLY'S FANCY – Bumped on jumping. Raced wide until the 800m.  
 
SAINTS WATER – Began awkwardly and bumped. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
SHADOW MISTRESS – Began awkwardly and bumped.
 
ROCK LOBSTER – Laid in under pressure in the home straight proving somewhat difficult to ride out. Laid in and became awkwardly placed on heels over the concluding stages.
 
KAYTEE BOLD – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
OXFORDSHIRE – Momentarily crowded soon after the start. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Raced wide for the majority.
 
GARTAN – Bumped on jumping. Became momentarily awkwardly placed on heels and was obliged to steady leaving the 1000m. Laid out rounding the home-turn.
 
 
Race 6: REDMONDS PET & LIVESTOCK SUPPLIES LOCKYER LIGHTNING BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1100m)
 
Declaration of correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards to consider an objection from Jockey D. Smith of 4th placegetter, LITTLE VISTA, alleging interference from 3rd placegetter HELIKEDEMPRETTY (K. Matheson) near the 800m. After taking evidence from riders and connections and viewing the available patrol footage, Stewards determined that HELIKEDEMPRETTY shifted in near the 800m tightening the running of JUMP’N FLY in, and as a consequence, LITTLE VISTA subsequently raced in restricted room for several strides. However, considering the margin of 1/2L, and the severity of the interference, Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that the interference had any tangible effect on the placings and subsequently dismissed the protest and declared correct weight on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
LITTLE VISTA – Tightened for room for several strides near the 800m. Raced keenly near the 600m.
 
JUMP'N FLY – Tightened for room when HELIKEDEMPRETTY shifted in when not fully clear before shifting to avoid that runner’s heels tightening LITTLE VISTA near the 800m.
 
HELIKEDEMPRETTY – Shifted in near the 800m tightening JUMP’N FLY in onto the running of LITTLE VISTA. Jockey K. Matheson was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) and advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances. Bumped the inside running rail near the 350m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.  
 
KWIK AZ HELL – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
MR MIDNIGHT – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
Race 7: LADBROKES GATTON CUP BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (2000m)
 
LUCKY EXCHANGE – Bumped on jumping.
 
SO DAPPER – Raced keenly near the 1400m. Raced wide and without cover from the 1100m.
 
PICKO ROCKS – Slow to begin.
 
RUBY'S LAD – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
VAN GOGH – Apprentice D. Bennett pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR131(a), the particulars being that passing the 1100m he did exercise insufficient effort in preventing his mount from shifting in when insufficiently clear of AQUA ALTA causing that runner to be steadied when hampered for several strides. Apprentice Bennett’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 9 days, commencing Sunday, 30 June 2024 up to and including Monday, 8 July 2024. In considering penalty Stewards noted Apprentice Bennett’s status as an apprentice, his guilty plea, the degree of carelessness and severity of interference as well as Apprentice Bennett’s recent poor record in relation to the rule. Apprentice Bennett was advised of his right to an appeal. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
AQUA ALTA – Taken wider by VENTUROUS which laid out passing the 1600m. Hampered and obliged to steady from heels passing the 1100m when VAN GOGH shifted in when insufficiently clear. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance Trainer R. Lipp advised that the stable was only somewhat disappointed with the performance, considering the heavy weight impost the mare had been allotted. Mr Lipp added that, in his opinion, the mare may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
GUTS 'N' GLORY – Raced wide and without cover from the 1100m.
 
VIADELAMORE (IRE) – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly near the 1600m. Momentarily crowded near the 700m.
 
TOP BOY – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Momentarily crowded near the 700m. Bumped near the 200m with DIABLO BOLT which was laying out.
 
DIABLO BOLT – Bumped the inside running rail approaching the 1400m. Laid out and bumped with TOP BOY passing the 200m.
 
VENTUROUS – Laid out passing the 1600m taking AQUA ALTA wider. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
DEL CAMPO – Began awkwardly.
 
 
Race 8: PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING & RESPONSE GROUP BENCHMARK 60 Handicap (2000m)
 
KNEZE – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages when being restrained in an effort to obtain cover and commencing to over-race passing the winning-post on the first occasion. Became awkwardly placed on heels near the 1600m before being taken wider by another runner which laid out.
 
ENUNCIATION – Bumped on jumping.
 
PORT MOURANT – Bumped on jumping.
 
END OF MONTH (NZ) – Raced keenly passing the 1400m.
 
STAR SEEKER – Bumped on jumping. Steadied and shifted in and away from heels leaving the 1900m. Laid out passing the winning-post on the first occasion, taking another runner wider. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
RADEGAST (NZ) – Shifted in when not fully clear of STAR SEEKER near the 1900m causing that runner to be momentarily hampered. Jockey M. Wishart was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding.
 
ROYAL GEORGE – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
CONEY ISLAND BABY – Laid out passing the 1600m. Raced keenly passing the 1400m.
 
INDENTED HEAD – Trainer B. Ahrens was reprimanded under the provisions of AR227(a) in that he did fail to comply with the QRIC overweight directive by failing to request the mare be ridden 0.5kg over the allotted weight of 54kg by the prescribed time.
 
BUMP'N'RUN – Raced wide in the early stages obtaining a forward position near the 1400m.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 6 – Jockey K. Matheson - Careless riding - AR131(a) - Reprimand
Race 8 – Trainer B. Ahrens- Failure to comply with directive - AR227(a) - Reprimand
Race 8 – Jockey M. Wishart- Careless riding - AR131(a) - Reprimand
 
Fines
General: Ms B. Mackie- Use of phone whilst mounted - AR113 - $200
General: Jockey M. Savva- Use of mobile phone in Jockeys room - AR218(4)(b) - $400

Suspensions
Race 7 - Apprentice D. Bennett - Careless riding - AR131(a) - 9 days – Sunday, 30 June 2024 up to and including Monday 8 July 2024
 
Race day injuries/illness.
Jockey A Thompson – Illness - Medical clearance
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
VONZITHER, TWOSEY, OCEAN HONOR, FLAG HALL, AQUA ALTA, VENTUROUS
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 – DOUBLE SCOOP - Bucked & Poor performance - Barrier trial
Race 3 – QUEEN EMILY – Poor Performance - Warning
 
Protests
Race 6- 4th (LITTLE VISTA) v 3rd (HELIKEDEMPRETTY) - Dismissed
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 3- QUEEN EMILY was ridden by N Tomizawa
Race 5- ROCK LOBSTER was ridden by K Yoshida
Race 8- INDENTED HEAD was ridden by A Allen
 
 
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.