QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
GATTON TURF CLUB
 
FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2024
 
WEATHER – FINE  TRACK RATING –  RACE 1- HEAVY 8, RACE 2- SLOW 7, RACE 3-9- TRACK UPGRADED TO A SLOW 6       RAIL – TRUE
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – Mr T Preston
Stewards – Mr C Warren, Mr R Hanson, Ms L De Witt-Rowson
 
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted Jky S Cormack to ride +1.0kg and Jky L Tilley +.5 kg overweight in Race 1.
 
Race 1: SAVE THE DATE – PORTERS PLAINLAND LAIDLEY CUP – SAT- 8TH FEB 2025 BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 2000m
 
TAVIESLASS (NZ)- Bumped on jumping. Bumped near the 600m. Raced wide for the majority. Lost a near hind plate in running. Trainer G Wright advised it would be the intention to now send the mare for an immediate spell.
 
DECARBONISE- Shifted ground under pressure down the running.
 
MADALSA- Began awkwardly and bumped on jumping. After being caught wide early from the wide barrier pressed forward from the 1600m and settled in a forward position nearer the inside running rail passing the 1400m.
 
GINASUE-Raced at the rear of the field for the majority of the event, began to improve into the race from the 400m point.
 
GOOD LIFE DIVA- Trainer C Bills was reprimanded pursuant to AR 106 for having the mare presented with unstitched bandages. Stewards noted Ms Bills mostly unblemished record in considering the matter. Raced keenly from the 1600m until the 1300m. Raced wide for the majority of the event.
 
FORCE ME (NZ)- Shifted wider and bumped near the 600m. Laid in while racing in the home straight for a short distance before being corrected by the rider.
 
Following the running of this event the Racing Surface was upgraded to a Soft 7
 
Race 2: LADBROKES FORM GENIUS MAIDEN PLATE      1100 M
 
Declaration of correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards to view footage of the start to ascertain whether LITERACY had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the official patrol footage, taking evidence from Starter Mr C Higgins, App C Krahnen and Trainer Mr B Gentle Stewards determined that for approximately three (3) seconds prior to the start being affected, the mare had its head turned notably to the near-side and as such was significantly disadvantaged when the start was affected. Stewards were therefore of the view that the mare had been denied a fair start and acting under the provision of AR204(1)(c) declared the mare a non-starter with the following deductions to apply to all successful wagers:
 
3cents in the dollar for the win
5cents in the dollar for the place on the winner
2cents in the dollar for 2nd place
5cents in the dollar for 3rd place
 
Trainer M B Gentle was advised that mare would require a further barrier certificate prior to again being permitted to start in a race. Additionally, both the Barrier Attendant charged with assisting the mare whilst in the barrier and App C Krahnen were admonished by Starter Mr Higgins and Stewards respectively, and advised to exercise greater efforts in ensuring runners they are tasked with are prepared to jump when the start of any event is imminent.
 
ALZURRI- Slow to begin. Raced at the rear of the field for the majority of the event.
 
KILDARE (NZ)- Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was passed fit to start. Began awkwardly.
 
KOBE ASCOT- Over raced during the early stages.
 
MARLEE'S ZANDER- Bumped with ROIGARD on jumping. Raced wide for the majority of the event.
 
ROIGARD- Bumped on jumping by another runner. Began to weaken noticeably from the home turn and raced towards the rear of the field for the remainder.
 
LITERACY- Declared a non -runner by Stewards order of Stewards acting under the provision of AR204(1)(c).
 
TWOPENCE- Raced erratically in the home straight.
 
MASI KURA- App T Wheeler advised that his mount raced greenly and had been inclined to hang in throughout.
 
Race 3: BARRIER REEF POOLS QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD MAIDEN PLATE      1100m
 
ATHOL MAC- Bumped on jumping.

HAZ STYLES- Began awkwardly.
 
MONONYM- Laid out rounding the 600 turn.
 
OH NOT REALLY- Began awkwardly.

WOD (NZ)- After beginning on terms was unable to muster the necessary speed to maintain its position and trailed the field throughout. Shifted in when not fully clear of RUBBERY near the 850m causing that runner to be restrained. App I Jessop was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding as a result of this incident. I considering the matter Stewards noted the racing manners of both RUBBERY and WOD which were having their first race starts.

RUBBERY- Began awkwardly. After beginning on terms was unable to muster the necessary speed to maintain its position and trailed the field throughout. Obliged to restrain from heels near the 850m.
 
TOSSIT- Raced wide for the majority.
 
FOOLSAY- Began awkwardly. Raced wide for the majority.
 
FLASH DRIVE- Laid in under pressure down the running.
 
SMALL DOSES- Bumped on jumping. Laid in under pressure down the running. Raced wide for the majority.
 
Following the running of this event the racing surface was upgraded to a Soft 6
 
Race 4: HARMAN CONCRETING MAIDEN HANDICAP         1400m
 
BEFORE THE THUNDER- Bumped on jumping. Raced wide for the majority.
 
MARAVILLAS- Shifted out to improve near the 600m and raced in restricted room for a short distance and bumped before shifting wider again. Raced in somewhat restricted room over the concluding stages.
 
COLONEL PARKER- Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped. Raced keenly and laid in throughout the early and middle stages, bumping near the 1200m. Bumped again near the 600m and taken wider.
 
BARGARA BOUND
DIVAS REIGN- Bumped approaching the 1200m. Laid out leaving the 1200m. Bumped over the concluding stages. 
 
SPIRITED SON- Bumped on jumping. Over-raced on heels when the pace slackened mildly near the 900m, shifted out abruptly and bumped near the 800m, having to be steadied and lost ground. Jockey J Taylor advised that his mount resented being restrained marginally when the pace slackened slightly and after recommencing to race tractably failed to let down. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer T Churchill was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s racing manners as a result.
 
SPRING DAZE- Bumped soon after the start. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages and bumped. Raced wide for the majority.
 
BEGORRA- Bumped soon after the start. Taken wider by another runner near the 700m.
 
PROPHET OF BOOM- Bumped near the 800m and taken wider. Laid out and became awkwardly placed on heels near the 500m, having to be steadied. Laid in under pressure down the running. Raced wide for the majority.
 
EVERCLEAR- Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped. Raced keenly on heels near the 700m and shifted wider. Steadied from heels and shifted notably wider to obtain clear running near the 200m. Stewards queried the tactics adopted by Jockey N Evans, specifically as to whether a better option at that time would have been to attempt to secure a run to the inside of HAS BEAN which was racing in a one-off position. Jockey Evans advised he had intended on improving to the inside of HAS BEAN however when TWILIGHT STEPS shifted in across his line of running, he had anticipated that runner would continue to shift in and improve into the position he had been endeavouring to obtain, and as such he elected to shift wider. Stewards noted the explanation.
 
Race 5: LOCKYER VALLEY PAINTING MAIDEN HANDICAP         1400m
 
DON'T STOP ME NOW- Raced keenly near the 1200m.
 
LILLY 'N' ROSE- Raced wide for the majority of the event. Tired noticeably from the 500m and finished significantly tailed off. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer D Murphy was advised that the filly would be required to trial satisfactorily prior to again being permitted to start in a race.
 
AIMA SUN- Raced keenly in the middle stages, becoming awkwardly placed on heels near the 900m. Raced wide for the majority.
 
FANCY DIAMOND (NZ)- Shifted out and away from heels abruptly near the 1200m. Laid out marginally onto heels and was inconvenienced and obliged to steady approaching the 1000m. Raced wide for the majority.
 
UCELLE- Shifted out marginally and bumped near the 1200m.
 
READY TO DRINK- Became awkwardly placed on heels soon after the start. Raced keenly near the 700m.
 
POLLY PRINCESS- Bumped near the 800m and shifted out. Shifted in, whilst restraining to obtain cover nearer the inside running rail approaching the 1000m, when not fully clear of FANCY DIAMOND causing that runner to be steadied from heels. App C Krahnen was reprimanded for by Stewards for careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) as a result of this incident.
 
LADY LETHAN- Shifted out and away from the from heels near the 1200m and raced wide for the majority.
 
Race 6: HARMAN CONCRETING RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP  1400 M
 
ITALIAN VIRTUOSO- Fractious in the race day tie-ups and underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was subsequently passed fit to start. Laid out near the 1200m.
 
GAELIC THUNDER- Began awkwardly and bumped before becoming awkwardly placed on heels and momentarily having to be steadied.
 
ARIAT- Raced keenly near the 1200m.
 
JUBILANT- Shifted out and bumped on jumping.
 
FOREBEARS- Improved onto heels and commenced to over-race when being restrained and shifted out abruptly approaching the 1000m and bumped before continuing to over-race for some distance.
 
Race 7: VALE PAT DUFF RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP         1400 M
 
HAYAKU- Bumped leaving the 600m.
 
THE SHAMAN- Began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly on jumping bumping BETTER STRINGS.
 
JAC THE GREAT- Raced wide from the 700m. Laid in under pressure down the running
 
ALONTRO- Raced wide until the 800m. Laid in under pressure own the running.
 
CASINO COAST- Bumped near the 600m. Raced wide for the majority.
 
IMPERIONESS- Raced wide rounding the home turn.
 
MAYBE SMART- Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the barrier after contacting a gate post on exiting the mounting yard and was passed fit to start. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
BETTER STRINGS- Became awkwardly placed on heels when slow to begin and was obliged to steady momentarily.
 
EARLSTON- Restrained when racing keenly in the early stages before the saddle shifted forward significantly soon after the start placing App T Wheeler at a significant disadvantage for the majority of the event. Raced wide for the majority.
 
Race 8: LVTC WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP         1100 M
 
CRESSBROOK- Bumped soon after the start. Raced keenly in the early stages. Crowded approaching the 800m and again soon after when laying out. Bumped near the 600m.
 
MALTALI- Raced keenly on heels near the 600m.
 
UNCLE BUD- Momentarily crowded near the 800m, shifted in and crowded another runner. Momentarily crowded near the 600m and bumped.
 
BORN FEARLESS- Raced keenly on heels approaching the 800m and again approaching the 600m.
 
IRON POWER- Bumped soon after the start. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
LATE NIGHT DEVIL- Bumped soon after the start.
 
RISK ASSESSMENT- Bumped near the 600m.
 
SUNSHINE HIGHWAY- Raced keenly on heels near the 700m.
 
MISS ZERMATT- Bumped soon after the start. Laid out near the 700m. Shifted in marginally near the 600m and bumped.
 
TORQUE ABOUT MAGIC- Shifted out and bumped soon after the start. Inconvenienced and obliged to steady from heels near the 150m.
 
Race 9: LADBROKES PUNTER ASSIST CLASS 1 HANDICAP         1100 M
 
CHINCHILLA AHEAD- Bumped on jumping. Laid in and bumped soon after the start. Laid out leaving the 400m before laying in on straightening, becoming awkwardly placed on heels, having to be steadied and shifted to the outside of heels.  Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to detect any abnormalities.
 
HELL AND BACK-Bumped soon after the start. Raced keenly when being steadied off heels near the 900m.
 
MINTO'S POWER- Declared a late scratching at 4:20 due to transport difficulties. Prior to the declaration of correct weight all monies invested on the gelding were orders to be refunded with the following deductions applicable to all successful wagers placed prior to 4:20pm:
 
7cents in the dollar for the win
8cents in the dollar for the place on the winner
7cents in the dollar for 2nd place
6cents in the dollar for 3rd place
 
Given the circumstances of the matter, no further action was taken.
 
RAFALE JOLIE- Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SIBELIUS- Began very awkwardly, shifted out and bumped. Crowded and became awkwardly placed on heels soon after the start. Raced wide and ungenerously for the majority. Began to improve into the race after entering the home turn. Stewards ordered a post-race veterinary examination be undertaken due to the seemingly disappointing performance. This examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
 
CRYPTIC PRISM- Bumped on the hindquarters soon after the start and became momentarily unbalanced. Bumped approaching the 1000m.
 
BASIL'S GIFT- Bumped soon after the start. Shifted in and bumped soon after the start.
 
PRONTO VINCENTO- Bumped on jumping. Bumped approaching the 1000m. Raced towards the race of the field for the majority of the event. Failed to improve into the race despite the riders’ efforts. Stewards will follow up with Trainer Ms A Willick in coming days regarding the horse’s performance and post-race condition.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
 
Race 1- Trainer Ms C Billis- AR106- Negligence in saddling.
 
Race 3- Appr Jky I Jessop- AR131(a)- Careless riding.
 
Race 5- Appr Jky C Krahnen- AR131(a)- Careless riding.
 
Race 8- Appr Jky J McMurray- AR131(a)- Careless riding.
 
Fines
 
Nil

Suspensions
 
Nil
 
Race day injuries/illness.
 
Nil
 
Absent jockeys
 
Appr Jky B Moffatt- Illness- Medical Clearance required.
 
Appr Jky J Busittin- Illness- Medical Clearance required.
 
Adjourned inquiries         
 
Nil
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race.
 
Race 2- KILDARE, Race 4- PROPHET OF BOOM, Race 6- ARIAT, Race8- LATE NIGHT DEVIL, Race 9- CHINCHILLA AHEAD.
 
Horses swabbed post-race.
 
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
 
Race 2- LITERACY- Barrier Manners- AR 75(1)(b)- Trail to the satisfaction of Stewards.
 
Race 4- SPIRITED SON- Racing Manners- AR 75(1)(b) - Warning.
 
Race 5- LILLY’N’ROSE- Poor performance- AR75(1)(b) - Trial to the satisfaction of Stewards.
 
 
Bleeders
 
Nil
 
Falls
 
Nil
 
Adjourned inquiries
 
Nil
 
Protests
 
Nil
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 1- TAVIESLASS- Appr T Wheeler repl- Appr B Moffatt, BUDDY’S TALE- Jky S Collett
 
Race 2-KOBE ASCOT- Jky S Collett, MASI KURA- Appr Jky T Wheeler, ZALATORI- Jky J Taylor.
 
Race 3- FLASH DRIVE- Jky K Yoshida, SMALL DOSES- Appr Jky E Molloy.
 
Race 4- BEFORE THE THUNDER- Jky C Whitely, COLONEL PARKER- Appr J Molloy, BEGORRA- Jky N Thomas.
 
Race 5-LADY LETHAN- Jky D Evans, TWOPOINTFOUR- Jky M Wishart.
 
Race 6- ITALIAN VIRTUOSO- Jky S Cormack, FOREBEARS- Appr Jky C Krahnen, SUMMER STAR- Jky K Yoshida, CLAUDIUS- Jky N Thomas.
 
Race 7- BETTER STRINGS- Appr Jky E Molloy, RAPID DUKE- Jky K Zechner, EARLSTON- Appr Jky T Wheeler.
 
Race 8- LATE NIGHT DEVIL- Jky K Zechner, DARLING HEART-Appr R Thorburn.
 
Race 9- CRYPTIC PRISM- Jky L Dempsey, BASIL’S GiFT- Jky K Yoshida, PRONTO VINCENTO- Appr R Thorburn.
 
 
Late scratchings
 
Race 2- LITERACY- L/Scr- 12.23pm- Declared a non-runner by order of Stewards.
 
Race 9- MINTO’S POWER- L/Scr-4.20pm- Transport difficulties.
 
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.