QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB
 
GATTON – TUESDAY, 20 AUGUST  2024
 
WEATHER – Overcast     TRACK RATING –  Soft (7); Soft (6) at 11.35am; Soft (5) after Race 2  RAIL – True
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E. Tickner
Stewards – B. Wright, A. Schofield, D. McMahon & S. Borg (Cadet Steward)
 
GENERAL
 
When Apprentice T. Orr was unavailable due to acceptable reasons, and Jockey W. D’Avila was injured, Stewards permitted replacements as per the Stewards’ race-day summary.
 
Apprentice P. Carter pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR188(c) in that prior to the running of Race 4, she did weigh out with a safety vest, which was not approved under the regulatory standards, which necessitated her having to re-weigh. Apprentice Carter was subsequently fined $200. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered Apprentice Carter’s guilty plea, her status as an Apprentice and her limited riding experience. Apprentice Carter was advised of her rights to an appeal.

Stewards inquired into an incident prior to the running of Race 4 reported by Clerk of Scales, Ms D. McMahon, following Jockey A. Thompson weighing out for his engagement in the race. It was established that after Jockey Thompson had weighed, he then added to his gear, a girth with which he had not weighed out with, provided to him by Apprentice B. Wheeler outside the scales area. When questioned about this, Apprentice Wheeler acknowledged he did provide a girth to jockey Thompson after he had weighed out. After being directed to re-weigh and found to be overweight, Jockey Thompson then returned to the Jockey’s Room, altered some of his gear and again weighed out with a lighter set of boots, which he subsequently changed prior to fulfilling the engagement despite being given a direction to ride in the original pair of boots he had weighed out in.

Subsequently, Jockey A. Thompson pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR185 in that after weighing out without a girth as part of his gear, he then added a girth Apprentice B. Wheeler provided to him outside the scales area, gear he had not weighed out with. Further, after then re-weighing in a lighter set of boots, Jockey Thompson changed to normal riding boots prior to fulfilling the engagement, despite being given a direction to ride in the original pair of boots he had weighed out in; both of which acts, Stewards considered an attempt to reduce his weight on scale. Jockey Thompson was fined $1000. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered Jockey Thompson’s unblemished record in relation to this rule, his forthright evidence, his remorse for the incident, and his guilty plea. Jockey Thompson was advised of his rights to an appeal.

Apprentice B. Wheeler pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions AR227(b) in that he was a party to a breach of the rules, in that he did knowingly assist Jockey Thompson by taking a girth which had not been weighed out with, outside the weighing room to be added to Jockey Thompson’s gear. Apprentice Wheeler was subsequently fined $300. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered Apprentice Wheeler’s forthright evidence, his guilty plea and his status as an Apprentice. Apprentice Wheeler was advised of his rights to an appeal.
 
Race 1: DAFFODIL DAY 22ND AUGUST MAIDEN PLATE (1400m)

CASANOVA MAN (NZ) – Approaching the 1000m, obliged to steady when MEASURED shifted out, before being carried outwards onto TALAKAI and bumped. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey D. Smith advised that in his opinion, the gelding raced flat third up for the preparation. He further stated the gelding would be better suited over further distances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

CRIMSON ECHO – Bumped on jumping.

MIANDA – Improved into a marginal run before being obliged to steady and bumped the running rail approaching the 1000m, when MEASURED shifted in when not fully clear. 

PEACH GALANTES – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.

CHICKA – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

TALAKAI – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Raced keenly during the early stages. Approaching the 1000m, bumped with CASANOVA MAN when that runner was carried outwards and became momentarily unbalanced. Raced wide from the 600m.

GAME OF THRONUM – Raced keenly during the early stages. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

MEASURED – Dislodged Apprentice T. Wheeler harmlessly enroute to the barriers before being quickly recaptured. Apprentice Wheeler was subsequently examined by QAS officers and deemed fit to fulfill his engagements. Raced keenly throughout the early and middle stages. Approaching the 1000m, shifted in when not fully clear of MIANDA, which after making ground quickly into a marginal run, was obliged to steady when racing in restricted room, bumping the rail, before shifting back out into the racing line of CASANOVA MAN, which was obliged to steady when tightened out onto TALAKAI before bumping with that runner. Apprentice T. Wheeler was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) for careless riding. In assessing the matter, Stewards considered the racing manners of Apprentice Wheeler’s mount leading into and during the incident.
 
 
Race 2: BARRIER REEF POOLS MAIDEN PLATE (860m)
 
TUANAKI CREEK – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
 
BEST SAY – Hampered on jumping. From the wide barrier shifted behind runners in the early stages.
 
DARE TO LOVE – Tightened for room on jumping and lost ground, and as a consequence settled further back than may have been expected. Leaving the 600m, momentarily raced in restricted room and obliged to ease.
 
MAKE IT SO – Began awkwardly.
 
SPLIT THE CASH – Over-raced during the early stages of the event. Laid out for some distance passing the 700m.
 
TWOPENCE – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, apprentice B. Wheeler reported that TWOPENCE never travelled comfortably and, in his opinion, the mare would be better suited over further distances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
LAZULITE (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
 
STARSPANGLE PLANET – Over-raced during the early stages of the event.
 
SNEAKY TOO (NZ) – Laid-out rounding the home-turn and in the early part of the home straight.
 
Following the running of this race, the track was upgraded to a Soft (5).
 
 
Race 3: LADBROKES EASY FORM BM58 HANDICAP (860m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards to view the photo-finish for fourth place. Once satisfied that a margin was present, correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
DEPLOYS ALONE – Knuckled on jumping. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame on the off-foreleg. Trainer D. Cole was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
VOULAIT – Began awkwardly. Apprentice D. Evans pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR131(a) in that leaving the 50m, he did permit his mount to shift into the line of RUBYDOO, who was in turn carried in onto MISHANI AMBITIOUS where heavy contact was made between those runners, resulting in MISHANI AMBITIOUS having its forequarters turned and becoming badly unbalanced, and severely hampering RUBYDOO. Apprentice Evan’s license to ride in races was subsequently suspended for twelve days commencing Sunday, 25 August 2024 and up to and including Wednesday, 5 September 2024. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered the interference and carelessness to be in the mid-range, Apprentice Evan’s guilty plea and excellent record in relation to the rule. Apprentice Evans was advised of his rights to an appeal.
 
MR POLAR – Trainer M. Butler advised it would be the stable’s intention to use the whip sparingly on the gelding. Ridden accordingly.
 
MISHANI AMBITIOUS – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Leaving the 50m, commenced to be tightened for room and bumped RUBYDOO when that runner was being directed inwards by VOULAIT before making heavy contact with that runner and becoming unbalanced for several strides passing the winning post.
 
RUBYDOO – Leaving the 100m, improved into a marginal run between MISHANI AMBITIOUS and VOULAIT, before continuing to be tightened inwards by VOULAIT into the line of MISHANI AMBITIOUS, and obliged to be severely checked and making heavy contact with the hindquarters of that runner.
 
ASTIN LANE – When asked to comment, Jockey C. Graham reported that the gelding over-raced during the early stages and that the wide run proved detrimental to the finishing efforts of the filly. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
DONMORE GIRL – Had some difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages and unable to be fully tested.
 
ON THE TARGET – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
 
 
Race 4: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 23-24 PREMIERSHIP WINNING TRAINER CHRIS MUNCE CLASS 3 HANDICAP (1600m)
 
MISHANI MISSILE – Apprentice C. Lowe reported that the gelding would be better suited over further distances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
MY WHISTLEBLOWER – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Trainer P. Wallace advised that in his opinion, the wide run proved detrimental to the gelding’s finishing efforts. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
STAR CHANCE – Over-raced during the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
KASEAR –Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
UNIQUE ELLE – Stewards tend to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the late scratching of UNIQUE ELLE as a dual acceptor from its engagement in Race 8. After beginning well from the wide barrier and having commenced to over-race during the early stages, was permitted to stride forward and sit outside the leader and subsequently settled further forward than may have been expected.
 
 
Race 5: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 23-24 PREMIERSHIP WINNING JOCKEY JUSTIN HUXTABLE BM65 HANDICAP (1100m)
 
CRACKER ESSGEE – Knuckled on jumping. Apprentice J. Metcalfe dropped her whip at the 50m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
SHOCK AND AWE – Steadied from heels leaving the 800m when racing keenly. Held up for clear running from approaching the 400m until the 200m. When asked to comment on his decision to not improve into a run available to him leaving the 200m, Jockey L. Tarrant advised that he was being particularly mindful of runners in advance of him shifting ground, and therefore felt that there may have not been sufficient room to do so. He further added after the gelding had travelled well into the home-turn, it failed to let down as expected and proved disappointing when placed under pressure. He added that the manner in which the gelding was finishing off the event, he may have become precariously placed if to improve between runners leaving the 200m.
 
COMMAND APPROVED – Began awkwardly.
 
MISS DE BLAAS – Laid out under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.
 
ROCK DIAMOND – Bumped shortly after the start. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
FLICK – Jockey H. Richardson dropped her whip at the 200m.
 
 
Race 6: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PREMIERSHIP WINNING APPRENTICE JACE MCMURRAY BM58 HANDICAP (1100m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Apprentice C. Lowe (MISHANI WARFARE) and Stewards to view footage of the start. Once satisfied that the gelding’s poor start was directly attributable to the gelding’s manners, correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
ARTEMAS – Co-trainers C. and C. Munce were reprimanded under the provisions of LR36(6) for failing to scratch a dual acceptor by the prescribed time. In assessing the matter, Stewards noted that the gelding had been withdrawn one day following acceptances, and the stable’s record in relation to the rule. Raced keenly during the early stages. Laid in at various stages throughout the event proving somewhat difficult to ride-out.
 
ROCONONO – Began awkwardly.
 
SUNIKI – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. 
 
HERMANITA – Shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
TAPIS MAGIQUE – Slow to begin.
 
TEMPLEMORE – When questioned regarding the performance, Apprentice B. Wheeler reported that the gelding may have got its tongue over the bit in running. A post-race veterinary examination revealed that the gelding choked down.
 
FIRST PEOPLES – Over-raced during the early and middle stages. When asked to comment on the tactics adopted, specifically his level of vigour from the 400m to the 200m, Jockey W. O’Connell advised that the gelding had not been suited by the tight-turning track and had been proving somewhat difficult to ride-out. He further added that given the gelding’s racing manners, he had been reluctant to place his mount under full pressure rounding the home-turn. He added once the gelding became balanced on straightening, it had finished off its event well.
 
KERNEL BOOM – Hampered between runners on jumping. Raced keenly during the middle stages.
 
MISHANI WARFARE – Stood flat-footed as the start was effected and lost significant ground. Raced wide and without cover from the 600m. Trainer D. Stanbridge was advised that the gelding would be required to barrier trial to Stewards’ satisfaction prior to racing again.
 
 
Race 7: REDMOND'S PET & LIVESTOCK BM65 HANDICAP (1400M)
 
EXPECTANT – Slow to begin. Raced keenly near the 900m when the pace slackened.
 
MISHANI SPARTAN – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
PRIVATE BANKER – Over-raced during the early and middle stages, contacting the running rail on a number of occasions. Improved onto heels near the 1000m and obliged to be steadied. Brushed the inside running rail leaving the 500m. Apprentice C. Lowe stated that the gelding’s racing manners proved detrimental to its finishing efforts.
 
SUPER DUCK – Raced keenly during the middle stages before improving onto the heels of SCENIC RIM leaving the 1000m and had to be steadied when the pace slackened.
 
SCENIC RIM – Shifted in when not fully clear of SUPER DUCK leaving the 1000m, before slackening the pace. Jockey T. Marshall was advised to exercise further care in similar circumstances. Bumped with HIT ‘EM UP leaving the 300m.
 
CONQUISTADORES – Began awkwardly.
 
HIT 'EM UP – Bumped with SCENIC RIM leaving the 300m. Apprentice J. McMurray was reminded of his obligations under AR131(b) in riding his mounts out fully to the finish.
 
SCOTTISH PRINCE – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
 
UNION SPIRIT – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly near the 900m when the pace of the race slackened.
 
 
Race 8: HARNESS RACING ON GRASS AT GATTON 25TH AUG - FREE ENTRY BM58 HANDICAP (1400m)
 
The start of this race was delayed 3 minutes when COBURG became fractious in the barriers, getting its leg over the partition before under-going a pre-race veterinary examination and being passed fit to start.

TOBA – Leaving the 400m, became held-up on the heels of the tiring ASHIGARU before shifting out to obtain clear running approaching the 200m.
 
ONE REASON – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
MISS LENORR – Slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be exhibiting a slow recovery.
 
COBURG – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start being effected. Trainer K. Kemp was advised that a warning would be placed on the barrier manners of the gelding.
 
STORM DREAMER – Hampered on jumping. Approaching the 200m held up for clear running before shifting wider.
 
SEBRING'S ROSE – Began awkwardly, before shifting in abruptly hampering STORM DREAMER when Apprentice C. Lowe lost the use of her near-side rein.  
 
POT POT BOOM – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ASHIGARU – Over-raced during the early stages of the event.
 
CRAZY EYED FRED – Leaving the 1300m, improved onto heels when over-racing and obliged to steady.
 
MISHANI PERSUASION – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 1 – Apprentice T. Wheeler – Careless Riding – AR131(a) – Severe Reprimand
Race 6 – Co-trainers C. & C. Munce – Fail to scratch dual acceptor by prescribed time – LR36(6) - Reprimand
 
Fines
Race 4 – Apprentice P. Carter – Noncompliant safety vest – AR188(c) - $200
Race 4 – Jockey A. Thompson – Changing equipment post weighing - AR185 - $1000
Race 4 – Apprentice B. Wheeler – Party to a breach of rules – AR227(b) - $300

Suspensions
Race 3. Apprentice D. Evans – careless riding AR131(a) – license suspended for 12 days – m/n 24/8/2024 until m/n 5/9/2024.
 
Absent jockeys
Apprentice T. Orr – acceptable reasons
Jockey W. D’Avila – Injured
 
Adjourned inquiries
Race 8 - Trainer S. Field – circumstances surrounding late scratching
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
ASTIN LANE, MISHANI MISSILE, CONQUISTADORES, TOBA
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 3. DEPLOYS ALONE – Not to race – Veterinary Clearance – Lame off-foreleg
Race 6. MISHANI WARFARE – Suspension – Stood Flat-footed - Trial
Race 8. COBURG – Fractious in the Barriers – Warning  
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 1:         1 CASANOVA MAN (NZ) - Dale Smith
                    14e CHICKA - Karl Zechner
                    17e MEASURED - Ty Wheeler (a2/54kg),
                    20e SNAKESKIN - Les Tilley
Race 2:         11e LAZULITE (NZ) - Mr Micheal Hellyer
                   12e STARSPANGLE PLANET - Mr Rob Thorburn (a2/52kg),
                   13e SNEAKY TOO (NZ) - Dale Smith
Race 3:         12e ON THE TARGET - Mr Micheal Hellyer
Race 4:         1 MISHANI MISSILE - Ms Chloe Lowe (a2/55kg),
Race 5:         13e FLICK - Ms Hannah Richardson
Race 6:         13e TEMPLEMORE - Bailey Wheeler (a0/53kg),
                   15e FIRST PEOPLES - Wayne O'Connell
                   17e MISHANI WARFARE - Ms Chloe Lowe (a2/55kg),
Race 8:         10 SEBRING’S ROSE - Ms Chloe Lowe (a2/55kg),
                   13e ASHIGARU - Kenji Yoshida
                   14e CRAZY EYED FRED - Matthew Gray
 
 
Late scratchings
Race 6. 11. HUMAN TOUCH at 9.15am – late scratching on veterinary advice.
 
 
 
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.