QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

AQUIS PARK GOLD COAST POLY - SATURDAY – 31ST AUGUST 2024

WEATHER – Fine TRACK RATING – Synthetic RAIL – True

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – S. Fletcher
Stewards – D. Aurisch, D. McMahon, P. Reardon, S. Borg (Cadet)

GENERAL

Stewards approved the following overweight allowance at today’s meeting:

Race 2 – MARLEEDOONE – M. Cahill +0.5kg (55kg)

Race 1: THE PALMS SUPER SATURDAY BOOK NOW MAIDEN HANDICAP 1100M

FLYING TO MARS – Underwent a veterinary examination upon arrival on course after sustaining abrasions whilst being transported and was subsequently declared at late scratching 11:25am on veterinary advice. Trainer A. Park was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance prior resuming racing or trialling.

MADAME PEARL'S – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after arriving on course late due to transportation difficulties and was cleared to start. Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

NEGRONIS – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after arriving on course late due to transportation difficulties and was cleared to start. Slow to begin and lost ground. Raced wide throughout.

LAZULITE (NZ) – Raced wide throughout.

HANDSOME PRINCE – Jockey N. Thomas reported in the early stages the gelding resented the kickback and lost ground, however once relieved of the kickback, began to stretch out and finished the race off well. N. Thomas added he believes the gelding would be better suited to races over a further distance.

REVELLING – Near the 900m, bumped when STARSPANGLE PLANET shifted out.

TANGO SPIRIT (NZ) – Near the 700m, made contact with the running rail, was checked and lost ground. At a subsequent inquiry, Stewards found that TANGO SPIRIT improved to the inside of STARSPANGLE PLANET (A. Graham), which after racing keenly and shifting out, then shifted in marginally tightening the running of TANGO SPIRIT, which was then checked a short distance later, when placed in restricted room by STARSPANGLE PLANET which was taken in when REVELLING (R. Thorburn) shifted in. In considering the incident, Stewards could not apportion blame to either apprentice R. Thorburn or A. Graham, also considering the racing manners of STARSPANGLE PLANET which they felt had a bearing on this incident and as a result took action against the racing manners of STARSPANGLE PLANET.

LITTLE IFFY – Bumped on jumping.

STARSPANGLE PLANET – Approaching the 900m, commenced to race keenly and had to be checked from the heels of LITTLE IFFY, shifting out and becoming unbalanced when bumping TANGO SPIRIT. Trainer B. Gentle was advised that a warning would be placed on the mares’ racing manners.


Race 2: LIFEFLIGHT LOTTERIES BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP 1200 M

The start of this race was effected manually. The starter informed Stewards after the running of this race that due to an electrical issue at the barriers, that all remaining races would be started manually.

I AM VOODOO – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after arriving on course late due to transportation difficulties and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped COUNT NICHOLAS. Apprentice C. Sutherland reported at scale that after beginning well, the gelding never travelled comfortably and felt that the quick tempo of the race and also the 64kg weight impost today had a bearing on the overall performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Stewards intend to follow up with the stable regarding the performance.

AHEADOFHISTIME – Stewards permitted the gelding to race without earmuffs as declared. Laid in under pressure in the early stages of the home straight and as a result apprentice J. McMurray momentarily dropped his near-side rein near the 250m. Apprentice J. McMurray pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR131(b) for failing to ride his mount out to the end of the race, which in the opinion of the Stewards cost AHEADOFHISTIME which was placed 4th and finished a nose margin from 3rd place-getter GHOST HUNTER, 3rd place in the race. Apprentice McMurray’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 10 days to commence at the end of another suspension incurred, that being midnight 12th of September 2024 and to expire midnight 22nd of September 2024. When considering penalty, Stewards took into account the ramifications of Apprentice McMurray’s actions regarding wagering and prizemoney lost by the connections of AHEADOFHISTIME, his relative inexperience as an apprentice, his clear record in relation to this rule and guilty plea.

NEOCLASSICISM – Raced wide throughout.

COUNT NICHOLAS – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 150m, improved onto the heels of the tiring I AM VOODOO and had to be steadied before shifting out to obtain clear running.

GERRYMANDER – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after arriving on course late due to a float breakdown and was cleared to start.


Race 3: TAB WE'RE ON BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP 1540 M

MENSA MAESTRO – Jumped in the air at the start and lost ground. Raced keenly in the early stages. When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice D. McGillivray stated that after the gelding jumped in the air at the start and lost ground, he was unable to follow his instructions to obtain the lead. He added that his mount resented racing in behind runners, which he felt had a detrimental effect on the overall performance.

SCOTTISH PRINCE – Raced keenly in the early stages.

EMMY REGINA – Raced keenly in the early stages.


Race 4: SILKS UNDER THE STARS 20TH DECEMBER QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE 1050 M

CABO CASANOVA – Tightened for room between runners at the start and lost ground.

NIRVANA THE STORM – Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped READY TO SCHIPP.

SIDLED – Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped CABO CASANOVA. Jockey C. Meehan reported that his mount hung out throughout the race, proving difficult to control. Trainer M. Lakey was advised that the gelding would be required to perform to the satisfaction of Stewards at an official trial prior to next racing.

STEEVEE WONDERFUL – Raced wide throughout.

AIMA SUN – Began awkwardly.

READY TO SCHIPP – Bumped on jumping.

SECRET CAVIAR – Began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped CABO CASANOVA. Near the 450m, laid out and had to be steadied from heels.


Race 5: PINK RIBBON RACEDAY BOOK NOW MAIDEN PLATE 1540 M

CARDIATIC – Slow to begin.

CASINO COAST – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout.

KLANG BOY – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near hindleg. Trainer B. Everingham was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance prior to resuming racing or trialling.

SEEYA LATER GATER – Slow to begin. Held up for clear running from the 500m until entering the home straight.

AUTORA – Change of tactics, to be further forward from the good barrier. Ridden accordingly.

DIVINE CHARM – Slow to begin.

SHORT APPROACH – Raced wide throughout.

ENTERPRISE VALOUR – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after arriving on course late due to transportation difficulties, was found to have Ectopic heartbeats on auscultation and was declared a late scratching at 2:38pm on veterinary advice. Trainers’ representative for S. Kendrick was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance, inclusive with results of an ECG prior to resuming racing or trialling.


Race 6: TAB BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1540 M

CORDOZAR – Raced wide throughout. Leaving the 250m, steadied from the heels of MIDNIGHT BOOM (S. Cormack) which shifted out to improve. Jockey S. Cormack was reprimanded for careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) for this incident. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.

PERFECT POINT – Slow to begin and then restrained to obtain a position closer to the rail with cover.

MIDNIGHT BOOM – Near the 250m, shifted out to obtain clear running and as a result hampered the weakening CORDOZAR.


Race 7: FAMILY FUN DAY 7TH SEPTEMBER BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1900M

HULKAMANIA – Raced wide until the 1000m.

EMBOLDEN (NZ) – When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey M. Cahill stated he placed the gelding in a forward position as per his instructions, however when the pressure of the race increased from the 800m, he was forced to ask the gelding for an effort earlier than he had wanted, which he felt had an overall bearing on the performance.

FIREBOLT – Slow to begin. Jockey P. Hammersley reported at scale that the mare struggled in the early stages to keep up with the field and raced flat throughout. He added that connections are now considering sending FIRBOLT for a spell. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Stewards intend to follow up with the stable regarding the performance.

MAN OF HEART – Stood flat footed at the start and lost considerable ground. Raced wide from the 800m. Trainer S. Sutherland was advised that the gelding would be required to obtain a further barrier certificate prior to next racing.

SPILLS – Rounding the home turn, tightened for room and taken out when BUMP’N’RUN which shifted out.

HELL FOLLOWS – Slow to begin. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

MATTE BLACK – Rounding the home turn, tightened for room and was checked. At a subsequent inquiry, apprentice A. Graham pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) in that rounding the home turn, she permitted her mount to shift out to improve when insufficiently clear of SPILLS which was tightened for room and taken out onto MATTE BLACK which was tightened for room between SPILLS and MAN OF HEART, resulting in MATTE BLACK having to be checked. Apprentice Graham’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 days to commence midnight 3rd of September 2024 and to expire midnight 11th of September 2024. When considering penalty, Stewards took into account apprentice Graham’s status of an apprentice, guilty plea, record in relation to this rule and the careless riding penalty guidelines.

SUPER FENKEL – Commenced to weaken from the 1000m and was eased down in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be exhibiting symptoms of cardiac arrythmia. Trainer M. Wilson was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance, inclusive of results of an ECG and would also require a cardiac auscultation performed by a veterinarian following a gallop, trial or jump out of 1000m to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to next racing.

THE WELLIAN – Held up rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the home straight before shifting out to obtain clear running leaving the 200m.

BUMP'N'RUN – Raced wide until the 800m.


Race 8: XXXX ALLSTARS BOOK NOW CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1050 M

LASER BEAM – Jockey M. Cahill reported at scale that the gelding raced keenly throughout and was disappointing in its overall performance, adding that it was the connections intentions to take LASER BEAM to a grass track at its next start and step the gelding up in distance.

STEEL KING (NZ) – Knuckled shortly after the start, shifted out and bumped ALBION SQUARE.

LITTLE CHARMER – Raced wide throughout.

LITTLEMISSCANCAN – Began awkwardly. Apprentice D. McGillivray reported at scale that the early speed as well as the horse resenting the kickback, resulted in the mare settling back further than anticipated.

THE WHITE MOUSE – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.

ALBION SQUARE (GB) – Tightened for room at the start and was bumped. Raced wide throughout.

BERAKAHQUINN – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Jockey N. Thomas reported that the near-side winker became loose throughout the race.



STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 6: Jockey S. Cormack - careless riding - AR131(a).

Suspensions
Race 2: Apprentice J. McMurray – fail to ride mount out to the end of race - AR131(b) – 10 days to commence midnight 12th September 2024 and to expire midnight 22nd September 2024
Race 7: Apprentice A. Graham – careless riding - AR131(a) – 8 days to commence midnight 3rd of September 2024 and to expire midnight 11th September 2024

Adjourned inquiries
Race 7 – Apprentice J. McMurray whip use.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled pre-race.
Race 2: I AM VOODOO, AHEADOFHISTIME
Race 3: NOBLE STYLE

Horses sampled post-race.
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1: FLYING TO MARS – Late scratching on vets’ advice – Vet cert required
Race 1: STARSPANGLE PLANET – Raced ungenerously – Warning
Race 4: SIDLED – Hung out throughout – Official trial
Race 5: ENTERPRISE VALOUR – Late scratching on vets’ advice – Vet cert + ECG required
Race 5: KLANG BOY – Lame near hindleg – Vet cert required
Race 7: MAN OF HEART – Flat footed at the start – Barrier certificate required
Race 7: SUPER FENKEL – Cardiac Arrythmia – Vet Cert (including ECG) + trial/jumpout/gallop of 1000m.

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: MADAME PEARL’S - Dan McGillivray (a2/55kg),
Race 5: CAPITAL BOSS - Mr Micheal Hellyer
Race 5: HOT PEACH - Ms Brooke Ainsworth
Race 6: BELLE’S BOY - Ryan Wiggins
Race 7: BUMP’N’RUN - Ms Amy Graham (a3/51kg),

Late scratchings
Race 1- FLYING TO MARS @11:25am – Veterinary advice
Race 5- ENTERPRISE VALOUR @2:38pm – 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.