QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

GATTON - LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025

WEATHER –Fine
TRACK RATING –Good 4
RAIL – True
PENETROMETER – N/A

OFFICIALS

Stewards – B. Wright (Chair), P. Zimmerman, D. McMahon, A. Dowsett, P. Gore (Cadet)

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT


GENERAL

Stewards accepted the explanation provided by trainer M. Currie for the late scratching of UNION SPIRIT at 8.05am.
 
Due to an infestation in the 1100m chute, the distance of Races 2, 3, 4 and 9 was amended to 1075m to avoid the affected area.  
 
Due to a misunderstanding, Rider M. Hellyer was declared for WHISTLING RULER in Race 6 instead of Rider A. Sewell.
 
Stewards permitted the following overweight:
Race 7: 17 MERRON DARCY – A. Sewell +0.5kg (54.5kg)
 
 
Race 1: OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH MAIDEN PLATE 860 M

 
THE PROPHECY – Began awkwardly. In the early stages, tailed the field by considerable distance. App B. Moffat was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR132(6)(c) for using his whip in the home straight when out of contention.
 
AYE EYE BOOM – Apprentice S. Bailey was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(b) for failing to ride her mount out over the final stride of the race.
 
AMAHLE – Resaddled in the enclosure prior to the start. Began awkwardly. When pulling up after the race, the lead bag and some packing fell from rider L. Tarrant’s mount. Correct weight was delayed whilst the gear was retrieved from the track and when weighed in, Rider L. Tarrant made his declared riding weight.
 

Race 2: LADBROKES BET TICKER  MAIDEN PLATE         1075 M

 
KOBE ASCOT – Raced keenly. Rider J. Stanley reported after being caught wide early and when racing keenly, he elected to find cover passing the 700m. He added the slow tempo in the middle stages did not suit KOBE ASCOT. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings.
 
PORRISTA (NZ) –Slow to begin.
 
POINT TWO – Restrained for cover near the 800m.
 
SHE'S MY LADY – Raced 3-wide without cover in the early and middle stages.
 
MUIRLEA MAGIC – After being fractious in the gates, underwent a veterinary examination. Bounded when the gates opened and lost considerable ground. Co-Trainer B. Costello was notified the gelding will be required to obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again. When racing ungenerously passing the 800m, checked when POINT TWO (L. Tarrant) shifted in after restraining to find cover. In considering the matter, account was taken of Rider L. Tarrant’s efforts to correct his mount, however; he was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a).
 

Race 3: LOCKYER VALLEY WASTE MAIDEN PLATE         1075 M

 
SWIFT SON – Slow to Begin. Made the turn at the 250m awkwardly and laid out.
 
STELLA ROSA – Jumped with its head up on leaving the gates and lost ground. Near the 900m, again got its head up when being restrained. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Rider P. Randall was reprimanded pursuant to AR132(6)(c) for using his whip when out of contention over the concluding stages.
 

Race 4: GOODYEAR AUTO CARE GATTON BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP       1075 M

 
LETS DANCE JANDY – Raced 3-wide without cover in the middle stages. When under pressure in the straight laid in.
 
DON'T BE DRAMATIC – App J. Hampson underwent a medical examination after being dislodged from her mount on the way to the start. Raced 3-wide without cover throughout.
 
PRINCE OF DIAMONDS – When under pressure approaching the 100m, laid in. Stable representative for Trainer K. Hill explained it was expected PRINCE OF DIAMONDS would take up a forward position over the shorter journey, however; was not expected to lead. He added as the gelding was first up from a spell and drawn the inside gate with a claiming apprentice, PRINCE OF DIAMONDS was able to lead the race.  
 
GALWAY HUSSLER – Approaching the 900m, got its head up and shifted out.
 
HI JULES – Bumped shortly after the start. Passing the 200m, steadied and was shifted out to the outside of LETS DANCE JANDY to obtain clear running.
 
VAST KAMA – Bumped shortly after the start.
 

Race 5: LOCKYER VALLEY PAINTING RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP      1400 M
 
 
UNION SPIRIT – Raced 3-wide without cover throughout.
 
YEAH COPY – Rider K. Matheson pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 8 occasions prior to the 100m and 16 occasions in totality. Rider K. Matheson’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of seven (7) days commencing midnight Thursday 6 March 2025, concluding midnight Thursday 13 March 2025. In determining penalty, account was taken of his guilty plea, record and the QRIC whip penalty guidelines. Further, he was spoken to advisedly about raising his whip arm above shoulder height.
 
BORN TO BE ALIVE – Rider B. Lerena reported his mount wasn’t suited to the track conditions and the shorter journey. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings.
 
FOREBEARS – Raced keenly with its head up in the early and middle stages.
 
TERMITE – Slow to begin.


Race 6: LADBROKES FORM GENIUS RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP      1400 M

 
OAKFIELD STORM – Rider B. Andrew was spoken to regarding her whip use on the gelding over the final 100m and told that it bordered on being excessive.
 
ATLANTIC ROYAL – Held up for a run approaching the 400m until near the 200m.
 
BENFICA LASS – App J. Williams reported it was his intention to race in a handy position, however; after being tardy to begin from the wide gate, his mount did not show sufficient speed, so he elected to steady and find cover.
 
BIRAGUE – Raced keenly in the lead.
 
PRESS YES – Raced ungenerously in the early stages and middle stages with its head up when being restrained.
 
DARLING HEART – Obliged to race 3-wide without cover between the 1000m and the 700m.
 
WINSTON BLUE – Slow to begin.
 
WHISTLIN' RULER – Near the 1300m, steadied to avoid the heels of PRESS YES (L. Tilley), which shifted in when not quite clear. Rider L. Tilley was advised to exercise more care.  
 

Race 7: BARRIER REEF POOLS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP  1400 M

 
MARSEILLE – After being placed in the stalls, became fractious, reared and was cast. After undergoing an examination, was withdrawn at 4:04pm on veterinary advice. Trainer C. Richardson was advised the gelding would be required to obtain another barrier certificate prior to racing again. Stewards ordered the following deductions to apply to successful wagers placed prior to 4:04pm.

5c in the dollar for the win against *13
13c in the dollar for the place on *13
10c in the dollar for 2nd place *5
3c in the dollar for 3rd place *1
 
ROYAL GLADIATOR – Slow to begin.
 
CHAMPAGNE RIVER – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
PARISIENNE PIPER – Passing the 50m, became unbalanced when contacted by ROYAL GLADIATOR and then was awkwardly placed towards the heels of VALLEY OF OWLS.
 
KOBABILITY – Raced 3-wide without cover throughout.
 
STROMBOLI DELIGHT – Slow to begin and then tightened for room between runners. Raced 3-wide throughout with cover.
 
VALLEY OF OWLS – Trainer R. Tyrell explained at its most recent start at Ipswich on 12 February, the filly had to work hard to obtain a forward position and appreciated the drop in class today.
 
MERRON DARCY – Slow to begin.
 
 
Race 8: SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2025 CHARITY GOLF DAY – 27TH JUNE BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP         1400 M

 
DIRTY MERCHANT – Near the 1200m, steadied when tightened for room by I PROMISE YOU (App C. Lowe), which shifted in when not clear. In all the circumstances, apprentice C. Lowe was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) and advised she must ensure she is sufficiently clear when crossing.
 
EXPOSITION – Raced 3-wide without cover throughout.
 
LADY TOWNSON (NZ) – Slow to begin.
 
READY TO BOOM – Slow to begin. Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages and for a short distance passing the 800m, got its head up when being restrained and lost ground. App J. Williams reported the mare, despite his efforts, continually shifted onto the rail in the middle stages when outside runners improved in the middle stages. Trainer R. Heathcote was notified the mare would be required to Officially trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.  
 
BETTER THAN LOVE – After being placed in the stalls, reared and became fractious in the barriers. Slow to begin. Rider T. Brooker revealed the gelding did not feel right in its action during the race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings. Trainer R. Tyrell was advised the gelding would be required to Officially trial to the satisfaction of stewards prior to racing again.
 

Race 9: SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2025 LADBROKES GATTON CUP – 28TH JUNE RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP      1075 M

 
MR MIDNIGHT – Laid in in the home straight, passing the 30m, steadied when tightened by JUST FOR PLEASURE, which laid in.
 
KEWELL – Near the 800m, steadied when tightened by MR POLAR (J. Stanley), which was racing neat to its outside. Rider J. Stanley was advised to exercise more care.
 
PARUES – Raced 4-wide without cover in the early and middle stages.
 
BUN IN THE OVEN – Held up for a run from the 100m and went to the end of the race without being fully tested.
 
CHOCKABLOCK – Raced 3-wide with cover in the early and middle stages
 
VELVET – Raced 3-wide without cover in the early and middle stages
 
MR POLAR – Rider J. Stanley advised he did not intend to lead, however; after being caught wide, elected to press forward and lead.
 
RUM REVOLUTION – Slow to begin
 
MAD MISSION – Slow to begin




STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands

Race 1: App. B. Moffat – AR132(6)(c) – Using whip when out of contention – Severe
Race 1: App. S. Bailey – AR131(b) – Fail to ride out mount – Severe
Race 2: Rider L. Tarrant – 131(a) – Careless riding – Severe
Race 2: Rider P. Randall - AR132(6)(c) – Using whip when out of contention
Race 8: Rider C. Lowe – AR131(a) – Careless riding – Severe

Fines
 
Race 2: Trainer B. Ahrens – LR67(1) – Late Rider Declaration - $100
 
Suspensions

Race 5: Rider K. Matheson – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of the whip on 8 occasions prior to the 100m (16 in totality) – seven (7) days - commencing midnight Thursday 6 March 2025, concluding midnight Thursday 13 March 2025.


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled pre-race
 
Race 5: BOOGA RAY, BORN TO BE ALIVE
Race 6: BENFICA LASS, DANCE BABE
Race 7: EXPLOSIVE POWER, PARISIENNE PIPER
 
Horses sampled post-race
 
All winners

Warnings/bars
 
Race 2: MUIRLEA MAGIC – Barrier Manners – To Officially trial
Race 7: MARSEILLE – Barrier Manners – To Officially trial
Race 8: READY TO BOOM – Racing Manners – To Officially trial
Race 8: BETTER THAN LOVE – Poor performance - To Officially trial

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 2: 11 POINT TWO – L. Tarrant
Race 3: 9 NETWORK ERROR – J. Murphy
Race 4: 16 FREAKSHAKE – L. Tilley
Race 5: 13 TERMITE - A. Graham
Race 6: 14 WHISTLIN’ RULER – A. Sewell
Race 7: 15 BACCARAT ROUGE – O. Kendal, 17 MERRON DARCY – A. Sewell, 18 LEUCAENA – V. Soulsby
Race 9: 16 JUST FOR PLEASURE – L. Tarrant, 20 MAD MISSION – K. Lenton
 
Late scratchings

Race 8: 16 UNION SPIRIT (08:05am)

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.