QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
GOLD COAST TURF CLUB
 
AQUIS PARK GOLD COAST – SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2021
 
 
WEATHER – OVERCAST

TRACK RATING – GOOD 4         

RAIL – +8M 1400M-W/POST; +5M REMAINDER
 
PENETROMETER – 4.47
 
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – R Hitchener
Stewards – T Hudson, J Mitchell, A Turner
Clerk of Scales – M Winwood
Judge – S McMahon, G Anderson
Veterinarian –Dr G Johnston
Swab Attendants – K Kilpatrick, A Challen, G Gray, L Bobeszko
Starter – S Andrews, K Watson
 
 
GENERAL
 
Riders Paul Hammersley, Brad Pengelly and Kenji Yoshida were unable to ride due to illness, riding changes were made as per the race day summary.
 
Rider Rikki Palmer did not attend the meeting and riding changes were made as per the race day summary.
 
Stewards permitted the following riders to ride 0.5 kilograms over above their allocated weights due to the current covid restrictions:
 
Race 1 - ZOUMANJI - Jag Guthmann-Chester
Race 4 - QUEENOFMAINSTREET - Michael Hellyer
Race 5 - IVY'S DREAM - Michael Hellyer
Race 7 - SIZZLING DIAMOND - Michael Hellyer
 
 
RACE 1: HAPPY 21ST ALEX WHITELEY MAIDEN PLATE 1100 METRES
 
CALIFORNIA VANTURE – Held up and unable to improve from the 500 metres to a point entering the home straight.

GREEN KUDOS – Began awkwardly.
 
MISHANI VANDAL – After beginning only fairly was tightened on jumping and lost ground. Steadied to avoid heels near the 1000 metres whilst racing keenly. Rider C Meehan dropped his whip near the 100 metres.
 
REGAL EDITION – Began awkwardly. Near the 1000 metres, was steadied when awkwardly placed at heels whilst racing greenly and as a consequence shifted out abruptly. Raced greenly throughout.
 
ALL SORTED – Laid in despite the efforts of its rider in the early stages.
 
ZOUMANJI – Stewards questioned trainer Toby Edmonds in relation to the mare’s seemingly improved performance. Mr Edmonds advised that at the mare’s first start in a race after finding the lead was pressured throughout the event by another runner and as a consequence weakened over the concluding stages. Mr Edmonds went on to say that with the benefit of race experience, the addition of a tongue-tie and being able to obtain a better run throughout today’s event were, in his opinion, the major contributing factors to the mare’s improved performance.  
 
IL CALZINO – Forced wider by another runner near the 1000 metres before being restrained to a rearward position with cover.
 
 
RACE 2: 2 SEA WORLD CRUISES MAIDEN PLATE 1100 METRES
 
WHISTLE HOFF – The mare underwent a pre-race veterinary examination as it had not raced in the previous twelve (12) months and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly. After being caught wide in the early stage was permitted to stride forward by its rider to obtain the leading position at the 700 metres. Stewards questioned rider B Appo in relation to his riding of the mare from a point near the 600 metres until the early stages of the home straight. Of concern to Stewards was rider Appo’s actions in maintaining a position off the fence when it appeared he had crossed to a leading position and also rider Appo’s actions in looking to his inside on a number of occasions during this stage of the event. Rider Appo advised that after improving forward of TIACLAIR at a point near the 700 metres he had received a call from the rider of that mare, rider A Chau, which indicated to him that he was not sufficiently clear to cross at that point of the race. Rider Appo advised that as a result of this call he continued to race off the fence and he continued to look back to his inside to ensure that he was not placing pressure on rider Chau’s mount for a sustained period during the middle stages. Stewards advised rider Appo that whilst at all times he should ride with sufficient caution to his fellow riders, it was the Stewards opinion that on this occasion he had erred in riding in a manner which was overly cautious given the particular circumstances. Rider Appo was further advised that his riding on this occasion was bordering on a level below the required expectations of a provincial meeting and that in future he should not ride in a manner to leave himself open for questioning. Upon questioning, rider A Chau confirmed that when crossed by rider B Appo during the middle stages he did on two occasions call to rider Appo with respect to providing him clearance at this point in the event. Rider B Appo was fined $400.00 pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on eight (8) occasions prior to the 100 metres, being three (3) more than permitted.
 
MISS RINEHART – Raced with its head in the air whilst being restrained in the early stages.
 
STIRLING DIVA – Began awkwardly.
 
 
RACE 3: OAKS HOTELS, RESORTS & SUITES FILLIES AND MARES BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1400 METRES
 
LADY MAGNUS – Rider B Thornton was reprimanded pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on seven (7) occasions prior to the 100 metres, that being two (2) more than permitted.
 
EXPRESSO LOVE – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
GALA RAIN –Rider A Allen replaced rider J Huxtable as he was unable to make the allocated weight. Rider J Huxtable was reprimanded pursuant to AR190(3) for accepting a ride for which he was overweight. Began awkwardly.
 
 
RACE 4: SKYPOINT COUNTRY HEIST BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200 METRES
 
On return to scale, P Hamblin, the rider of 2nd placegetter MUIRON, lodged an objection against 1st placegetter RIVER SPAN for alleged interference over the final 300 metres. After taking evidence from the riders concerned and viewing the patrol footage, Stewards found that in the early stages of the home straight, RIVER SPAN, shifted out when not clear of MURION, resulting in that runner being forced wider on the track. Stewards further found that inside the final 100 metres, RIVER SPAN again shifted out making contact with MURION and again forcing that runner wider on the track. Stewards were satisfied that MURION would have finished ahead of RIVER SPAN at the conclusion of the event had such interference not occurred, particularly when bearing in mind the neck margin between the runners at the conclusion of the event. As a result, the objection was upheld and correct weight was declared on the judges amended numbers 1, 2, 5, 4.
 
MUIRON – Tightened for room at the start. Rider P Hamblin was fined $400.00 pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on six (6) occasions prior to the 100 metres, being one (1) more than permitted.
 
RIVER SPAN – Began awkwardly.
 
MAC'S GAL – Raced three-wide without cover for the majority of the event.
 
SEE FOR YOURSELF – Raced three-wide with cover for the majority of the event.
 
THE OLD BIRD (NZ) – Stood flat footed at the start and lost ground.
 
MAC'S BOY – Tightened for room shortly after the start.
 
PETITE ELLE – Approaching the 900 metres, was steadied and awkwardly placed at the heels of MISS BULITZ, which shifted in after being taken in by LA BELLE LA BELLE, which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. C Jokic, rider of LA BELLE LA BELLE, was reprimanded as a result of this incident. Near the 600 metres, improved onto heels and was steadied.
 
SHINING BLUE – Slow in to stride.
 
 
RACE 5: VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP 1100 METRES
 
ELIXIR – After breaking through the barriers and galloping a considerable distance riderless, the gelding was subsequently declared a late scratching at 2:45pm by order of Stewards on veterinary advice. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards declared all bets on ELIXIR be refunded in full with the following deductions to apply:
 
6 cents the win (ONE STRYKE)
8 cents the place (ONE STRYKE)
8 cents the place (DITMAS)
10 cents the place (ACEPLAY)

A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have suffered an abrasion on its head and its off fore leg. Trainer L Kelly was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary certificate prior to racing again. Rider D McGillivray was assessed by the Queensland Ambulance Services with concerns being raised regarding a possible concussion. Rider McGillivray was advised that he would be required to undergo a cognitive test and that a medical clearance would be required prior to riding again.

 
ONE STRYKE – Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages of the event.
 
SMART AS ATTACK – Slow to begin.
 
IVY'S DREAM (NZ) – Slow to begin.
 
 
RACE 6: CON-X-ION BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP 1100 METRES
 
ACUMEN – After working strongly to the barriers in the preliminary, the gelding was examined by the veterinary surgeon and was cleared to start. Near the 1000 metres, the gelding was tightened for room and had to be eased when NORM’S CHOICE shifted in when not sufficiently clear. Apprentice Z Lloyd, rider of NORM’S CHOICE, was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. As this was the first occasion on which the gelding had bled, the gelding will now be barred from racing for a period of three (3) months and will further be required to gallop 1000 metres in the presence of Stewards prior to racing again.
 
GOGOL – Reared as the start was effected and as a consequence lost considerable ground. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying a small abrasion above the gelding’s left eye. Stewards questioned rider G Goomany in relation to the tactics adopted on the gelding whereby after missing the start rider Goomany rode his mount along in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain a forward position rather than crossing to a position on the rail at the rear of the field. Rider Goomany advised that as he had ridden the gelding on a number of occasions, in his opinion, the gelding resents being restrained and is better ridden when allowed to travel in its races without being overly restrained. He went on to say for this reason after resuming contact with he field he felt his mount would have had sufficient pace to cross the runners to his inside thereby allowing him to obtain a forward position possibly one off the fence. Having had the opportunity to review the race footage, rider Goomany agreed with Stewards that he had erred in not obtaining a position at the rear of the field on the rail, which would have afforded him a more economical run during the event, rather than racing considerably wide when unable to cross the runners to his inside. Rider Goomany was advised that his riding on this occasion was bordering on a level below the required expectations of a provincial meeting and that in future he should not ride in a manner to leave himself open for questioning.  
 
BAY OF DRAGONS – Raced four-wide without cover for the majority of the event.
 
BRAZEN DYNAMO – Raced three-wide without cover for the majority of the event. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
SOMEBODY'S GIRL – Improved onto heels near the 250 metres before shifting to the inside to secure clear running. Near the 150 metres, was momentarily steadied when placed in restricted room.
 
BOOM RANGA – Raced four-wide with cover for the majority of the event.
 
 
RACE 7: EXPERIENCE OZ CLASS 2 HANDICAP 1200 METRES
 
PIVOTAL MOTION – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
DYNAMIC DUO – Raced ungenerously whilst being restrained in the early stages. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
MOTHER'S DAY – The mare was examined by the veterinary surgeon at the rider’s request and was subsequently cleared to start.
 
KOKOPO KITTY – Slow to begin. Rider S Galloway reported that after being slow to begin, the mare was not suited by the slow tempo during the event and as a consequence was unable to run on as he had expected in the home straight.
 
GET ON BOARD – Had some difficulty obtaining clear running over the final 100 metres.
 
SIZZLING DIAMOND – Raced three-wide without cover for the majority of the event. Near the 150 metres, was momentarily steadied when placed in restricted room.
 
 
RACE 8: AQUADUCK & SOUTHERN CROSS COLTS, GELDINGS AND ENTIRES BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1400 METRES
 
MISHANI DESTROYER – On retuning to scale, both rider J Guthmann-Chester and trainer K Purdy advised that, in their opinion, the major contributing factor in the below market expectation performance of the gelding was it being unable to lead in today’s event. Rider Guthmann-Chester went on to say that once crossed in the early stages the gelding travelled only reasonably for the remainder of the event. Trainer K Purdy advised that it is now her intention to step the gelding up in distance to ensure that it is able to lead in its future starts if possible. Trainer K Purdy also undertook to advise Stewards if anything becomes apparent in the days subsequent to today’s event which may have had an effect on the gelding’s performance. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. A swab sample was taken for analysis.
 
PIEROPAN – Began awkwardly and then failed to muster early speed.
 
LEICA BITA FUN – The gelding lost its off hind plate in running.
 
KRAMERIC – Began awkwardly and then failed to muster early speed.
 
THE BIG EATER – Slow to begin.
 
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands

Race 3. Justin Huxtable - Rider - Accepting a ride on GALA RAIN for which the rider was overweight - AR190(3)
Race 3. Boris Thornton - Rider - Whip use prior to 100m - 7 occasions - 2 more than permitted - 1st offence - AR132(7)(a)(ii)
Race 4. Chelsea Jokic - Rider - Careless riding - AR131(a)
 
Fines
Race 2. Bradley Appo - Rider - Whip use prior to 100m - 8 occasions - 3 more than permitted - 4th offence - $400.00 - AR132(7)(a)(ii)
Race 4. Paul Hamblin - Rider - Whip use prior to 100m - 6 occasions - 1 more than permitted - 8th offence - $400.00 - AR132(7)(a)(ii)

Race day injuries/illness
Race 5. Rider Dan - Possible concussion - Required to undergo a compulsive cognitive test and a medical clearance will be required prior to riding again.
 
Absent jockeys
Paul Hammersley (illness)
Brad Pengelly (illness)
Kenji Yoshida (illness)
Rikki Palmer (did not attend meeting)
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
Race 1. CALIFORNIA VANTURE, GREEN KUDOS, MISHANI VANDAL, REGAL EDITION, ALL SORTED, ZOUMANJI, YOU BEAUT JACK, IL CALZINO
Race 2. GULF COUNTRY, WHISTLE HOFF, ZA HIDDEN DRAGON, MISS RINEHART, STIRLING DIVA, TIACLAIR
Race 3. JOY'S REWARD, LADY MAGNUS, WICKMO, PORTUGESE TART, EXPRESSO LOVE, HOLD ALL TICKETS, SUBAYAI, GALA RAIN
Race 4. MUIRON, RIVER SPAN, MAC’S GAL, SEE FOR YOURSELF, THE OLD BIRD (NZ), MAC'S BOY, PETITE ELLE, SHINING BLUE
Race 5. ELIXIR, DITMAS, INVINCORE, ONE STRYKE, ICE FROST, ACEPLAY, SMART AS ATTACK, IVY'S DREAM (NZ)
Race 6. ACUMEN, BAY OF DRAGONS, NORM'S CHOICE, SOMEBODY'S GIRL, FLAT KAPPER
Race 7. SMOOTH MOVE, DYNAMIC DUO, CAPTIVATED, KOKOPO KITTY, GET ON BOARD
Race 8. MISHANI DESTROYER, PIEROPAN, LEICA BITA FUN, CHEVRONS'N'ROCKERS, PITTSBURGH PHIL
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
Race 1. GREEN KUDOS
Race 2. ZA HIDDEN DRAGON
Race 3. EXPRESSO LOVE
Race 4. RIVER SPAN
Race 5. DITMAS
Race 7. SMOOTH MOVE
Race 8. MISHANI DESTROYER
 
Warnings/bars
Race 5. ELIXIR - Broke through the barriers - Veterinary certificate required - AR20(e)
 
Bleeders
Race 6. ACUMEN - Bled from both nostrils - 1st occasion - Barred for three (3) months and required to gallop 1000 metres in the presence of Stewards prior to racing again - AR20(e)
 
 
Protests
Race 4. 2nd placegetter MURION v 1st placegetter RIVER SPAN - Protest upheld with placings amended to 1, 2, 5, 4.
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 3. WICKMO - Jag Guthmann-Chester replacing Paul Hammersley (illness)
              EXPRESSO LOVE - Noel Callow replacing Brad Pengelly (illness)
              HOLD ALL TICKETS - Beau-Dene Appo replacing Kenji Yoshida (illness)
             GALA RAIN - Anthony Allen replacing Justin Huxtable (overweight)
Race 4. MAC’S GAL - Jag Guthmann-Chester replacing Kenji Yoshida (illness)
              MAC’S BOY - Scott Galloway replacing Rikki Palmer (absent)
 
 
Late scratchings
Race 5. ELIXIR @2:45PM - Veterinary advice
 
 
 
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.