QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2025

WEATHER –Fine
TRACK RATING –Soft 5
RAIL – +9m 900m - 400m; +6m Remainder
PENETROMETER – 4.91

OFFICIALS

Stewards – B. Wright (Chair); K. Daly, A. Schofield, P. Reardon; L. De Witt – Rowson (Asst. Steward)

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Tuesday 28 January 2025 – Gatton – Race 2 Benchmark 62 1100m
Stewards concluded an inquiry into jockey E. Chaves riding of COUNT NICHOLAS in race 2, Benchmark 62 1100 metres. Steward’s concerns regarded E. Chaves riding in the early stages of the race where ADALIE when racing in a three wide position, was able to cross COUNT NICHOLAS near the 800m and obtain a position following INLANDA, the eventual winner and favourite in the race. Rider E. Chaves stated his instructions were to ride with cover and not to bustle the gelding early, as it has a tendency to over race. He added after being slow to begin he settled in the second half of the field. He further added that he was mindful of his instructions not to bustle COUNT NICHOLAS in the early stages and due to the early speed in the race, settled COUNT NICHOLAS behind ADELIE, which had been ridden forward to obtain cover. Trainer A. Campton confirmed the instructions stating he had removed the cross over nose band and trialled the gelding in an effort to get the horse to settle in its races. He added the high degree of speed early in the race before it then reduced through the middle stages proved detrimental to the gelding’s chances around the tighter Gatton track. Stewards conducted a review of the betting of this race and did not identify any irregularities.
 
Stewards in considering the evidence tendered, were of the opinion that E. Chaves riding of COUNT NICHOLAS was not unreasonable in the circumstances and therefore not culpable under the rules of racing. Stewards further accepted E. Chaves explanation for his decision not to shift wider on the track to make his run approaching the home turn and noted that COUNT NICHOLAS was momentarily held up for clear running near the 200m when ROSE BY DESIGN shifted out under pressure.
 
Tuesday 18 February 2025 – Kilcoy - Race 4 Benchmark 55 Handicap:
In the presence of Racing Qld jockey advocate Mr C Whitely, Stewards today finalized an inquiry into interference suffered by BUDDY’S TALE (App T Wheeler) near the 650m when racing to the inside of SMOKIN MATCH (App J Williams) and SPOKE TO RAJIV (App K Lenton). After viewing the patrol footage, and hearing submissions from Mr Whitely, Stewards found leading up to the incident SMOKIN MATCH improved into a narrow run near the 800m between BUDDY’S TALE, which was racing on the rail, and SPOKE TO RAJIV which was racing in a three wide position. It was further established near the 650m, when weakening and after being slapped down the offside shoulder, BUDDY’S TALE laid out marginally and contacted the offside hindquarters of SMOKIN MATCH which became unbalanced and was turned in resulting in BUDDY’S TALE being checked.  In all the circumstances, Stewards took no further action and reported the matter as a racing incident.
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweight:
Race 6: 22 CASTELVETRANO – R. Curatolo +0.5kg (55kg)
 
Stewards accepted the explanation tendered by Trainer A. Campton for failing to withdraw dual acceptor SYNERGY IN MOTION (Race 4,) by the prescribed time.
 
Race 1: KURRAWA SURF CLUB MAIDEN PLATE         2050 M
 
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS – Slow to begin and lost significant ground. After making the crossing awkwardly, commenced to race keenly, and to avoid being caught wide without cover, was allowed to stride and join the lead near the 1300m.
 
CAPTAIN GOOD VIBES – Raced wide without cover in the early stages.   
 
MISS DYNAMO– Raced three wide without cover from the 900m. Apprentice C. Sutherland rider of MISS DYNAMO pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR 132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 11 occasions prior to the 100m and 19 occasions in totality. Apprentice C. Sutherland’s permit to ride in races was suspended for a period of eleven (11) days commencing midnight Friday 28 February 2025, concluding midnight Tuesday 11 March 2025. In determining penalty, account was taken of his guilty plea, record and the QRIC whip penalty guidelines. Apprentice C. Sutherland was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR 132(7)(a)(i) for the use of his whip in consecutive strides near the 150m.
 
SHAMIELA – Change of tactics, to be ridden with cover. Raced very keenly and despite the efforts of Apprentice J. McMurray, took up a forward position.
 
DEEP DRIVE – Began awkwardly.
 
DESERT ANGEL – Raced keenly in the early stages. When asked to comment on the performance, Rider S. Cormack stated the filly was not suited to the slow tempo of the race, and despite having difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the home turn, when asked for an effort in the straight, did not let down as expected and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
Race 2: MOO MOO THE WINE BAR & GRILL CLASS 1 PLATE    1800 M
 
ACES UP (NZ) – Made the crossing awkwardly. When asked to comment on the performance, Rider T. Brooker stated with the blinkers on for the first time, she was asked to try and lead on the gelding, which she was able to do after crossing THE KHAN (NZ) passing the 1300m.
 
BIKER – Slow to begin. Rider R. S. Olivera was reprimanded pursuant to AR 132(6)(b) for using an action that raises his whip arm above shoulder height near the 300m.  
 
GUARDED OPTIMIST (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced ungenerously with its head up in the early stages.
 
SACRED BULL (NZ) – Change of tactics, to be ridden further forward from the good gate. Settled midfield. Slow to begin and slow to muster early speed. Held up for clear running from the 500m until the 400m.
 
LASQUETI BOOM – From passing the 300m until approaching the 100m, raced in restricted room and tight to the inside of ACES UP (NZ) when improving into a narrow run. In the incident, ACES UP (NZ)was brushed on the hindquarters by LASQUETI BOOM on two occasions.
 
WANDILLA – Near the 350m, became unbalanced when bumped by GUARDED OPTIMIST (NZ), which was attempting to shift to the outside of TWINKLE TIME, which shifted out when being struck with the whip, before being corrected.
 
Race 3: THE GENNARI GROUP CLASS 4 HANDICAP         1800 M
 
SHARP DAZZLER – Approaching the 800m, steadied when racing tight to the inside of SARSEN, which was laying in away from THE CLAIMANT.
 
GRIPPING – Steadied near the 1300m. In the middle stages, raced keenly, obliging Apprentice C. Sutherland to shift wider to take up a three wide position without cover. Apprentice C. Sutherland was fined $500 pursuant to AR 132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m and 12 occasions in totality.
 
THE CLAIMANT – Approaching the 1300m, laid in onto SARSEN resulting in SARSEN becoming unbalanced and Apprentice J. McMurray rider of THE CLAIMANT, also becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle. GRIPPING, which was following THE CLAIMANT, was steadied in consequence.
 
Race 4: MERMAID BEACH SURF CLUB QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP    1015 M
 
KING SPIRIT – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Shifted out near the 600m when racing keenly.
 
ABENDER – Began awkwardly.
 
PETITE PALACE – Began awkwardly. Near the 600m, inconvenienced when KING SPIRIT momentarily shifted out when racing keenly. BARD OF AVON, which was following, was inconvenienced. Raced wide without cover for the majority. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a minor abrasion to the filly’s right hock.
 
SIGNATURE TART – Contacted on the hindquarters and turned sideways on leaving the gates.
 
BARD OF AVON – Inconvenienced near the 600m. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, Rider J. Llyod stated the gelding was making an abnormal respiratory noise on pulling up and advised connections the gelding may be better suited with a tongue tie. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
 
SYNERGY IN MOTION – Began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly tightening the running of CAIRO QUEEN onto the hindquarters of SIGNATURE TART, which was turned sideways.
 
CAIRO QUEEN – Tightened for room at the start and lost ground.  
 
PARTY ISLAND – Began awkwardly, badly unbalancing rider A. Allen who lost the use of his near side iron for several strides before regathering.  Near the 600m, momentarily tightened for room by SYNERGY IN MOTION, which laid in away from the heels of PETITE PALACE.  
 
Race 5: SILVERCHEF CLASS 2 HANDICAP 1015 M

TIZ ENUF – Shifted in at the start and bumped HIDDEN NUGGET. Apprentice J. McMurray reported the mare hung in for majority of the race, and near the 800m, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIDDEN NUGGET. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have bled from both nostrils for the first time. Trainer J. Smerdon was advised TIZ ENUF would be stood down from racing pursuant to AR 79(4) for 3 months and must trial or gallop 1000m in the presence of Stewards prior to resuming.
 
HIDDEN NUGGET – On leaving the gates, was bumped by TIZ ENUF, which shifted in. Raced three wide without cover for the majority.
 
MISS PERSONALITY – Began awkwardly. Shifted ground when placed under pressure from the 200m.
 
APOLLO TEN – Slow to begin.
 
Race 6: TALLEBUDGERA SURF CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP         1300 M
 
The start of this race was delayed due to TORERA being re-saddled upon arrival at the barriers.
 
O'CALDINO – Raced keenly in the early stages. Passing the 400m, crowded between TORERA and NATIONAL INTEREST.
 
SCUTI – Slow to begin. Near the 900m, became unbalanced and lost ground after contacting the rail when racing tight inside of SUSPICIOUS LOVE.
 
WARRIOR HEAD – Laid in under pressure in the home straight obliging rider N. Tomizawa to stop and straighten on two occasions.
 
ZOULAR – Began awkwardly.
 
COLINTON – Slow to begin.
 
TORERA – Re-saddled at the start. Slow to begin. Raced three wide without cover.
CASTELVETRANO – Began awkwardly.
 
Race 7: COMMERCIAL KITCHEN COMPANY BM65 HANDICAP         1300 M
 
TWYFORD – Raced three wide without cover in the early and middle stages.
 
SUSPECT – Near the 300m, became unbalanced after bumping with OCEAN ALPS.
 
PARIS AFFAIR – Raced keenly with its head up in the early and middle stages and near the 900m was hampered. Approaching the 600m, momentarily tightened by SUSPECT, which rolled in slightly.
 
PANGAEA – Bumped with CAPE CRUSADER at the start.
 
CAPE CRUSADER – Bumped with PANGAEA at the start.
 
PORT RIVER BILLIE – Change of tactics, to go back from the wide gate. Settled towards the rear.
 
S. Miller rider of HEYOKA pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR 131(a) in that near the 900m, he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CARPACCIO with that horse being carried in across the running of SUSPECT, resulting in SUSPECT having to be eased. S. Miller’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of seven (7) days, commencing midnight Saturday 1 March 2025, concluding midnight Saturday 8 March 2025. In assessing penalty, account was taken of his guilty plea, record and the QRIC Careless Riding Guidelines.
 
Race 8: CHANDON LUNCHEON 8 MAR BOOK NOW 0 - 58 HANDICAP        1300 M
 
BAUHAUS – Rider S. Cormack reported the gelding did not finish the race off as expected, and he was of the opinion that was due to the prevailing track conditions.
 
EPIC FLASH – Raced three wide without cover for the majority.
 
COUNT NICHOLAS – Began awkwardly.
 
ITZA MOTZA – Raced wide for the majority.
 
ALMIGHTY RISING – Rider A. Thompson reported from the wide gate, he was asked to find cover, however; the gelding would not settle, raced too keenly, obliging him to ride forward around the field, to take up the lead near the 700m.
 
FAT FINGERS (NZ) – Approaching the 300m, steadied from the heels of BIRMINGHAM and shifted out into clear running.
 
PRETTY RHO – Near the 1200m, steadied when racing tight to the inside of BIRMINGHAM (Apprentice C. Krahnen). Apprentice C. Krahnen was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances. Held up for clear running from the 600m until near the 300m.
 
INSPIRED DREAM – Blundered on jumping.
 
BIRMINGHAM – Near the 1000m, steadied when racing tight to the inside of COUNT NICHOLAS, which was laying in.
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 1: 5 MISS DYNAMO – C. Sutherland – AR 132(7)(a)(i) – severe reprimand - use of the whip in consecutive strides.
Race 2: 2 BIKER – R. S. Olivera - AR 132(6)(b) – reprimand – using an action that raises his whip arm above shoulder height.

Fines
Race 3: 2 GRIPPING -AR 132(7)(a)(ii) - $500 – use of the whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m (12 in totality).
 
Suspensions
Race 1: 5 MISS DYNAMO – C. Sutherland – AR 132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of the whip on 11 occasions prior to the 100m (19 in totality) – eleven (11) days - commencing midnight Friday 28 February 2025, concluding midnight Tuesday 11 March 2025.
Race 7: 8 HEYOKA - AR 131(a) – careless riding - seven (7) days, commencing midnight Saturday 1 March 2025, concluding midnight Saturday 8 March 2025.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled pre-race
Race 1: MISS DYNAMO, DESERT ANGEL
Race 2: TUQIRI, TWINKLE TIME
Race 3: SHARP DAZZLER
Race 6: WARRIOR HEAD
 
Horses sampled post-race
All winners
 
Bleeders
Race 5: 2 TIZ ENUF - AR 79(4) – stood down for 3 months + 1000m trial or gallop in the presence of Stewards prior to resuming.

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 4: 12e SYNERGY IN MOTION – E. Chaves
Race 4: 16e PARTY ISLAND – A. Allen
Race 5: 11e APOLLO TEN – A. Thompson
Race 5: 12e CRAZY EYED FRED – A. Allen
Race 6: 18e SUSPICIOUS LOVE – C. Baker
Race 6: 22e CASTELVETRANO – R. Curatolo
Race 7: 15e PARIS AFFAIR – Y. Lewis
Race 7: 17e PANGAEA – E. Chaves
Race 7: 18e CAPE CRUSADER – B. Lerena
Race 7: 19e PORT RIVER BILLIE – A. Allen
 
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.