QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
LONGREACH JOCKEY CLUB
 
LONGREACH – MONDAY 8TH APRIL 2024
 
WEATHER – Fine  TRACK RATING –  Dirt    RAIL – True
PENETROMETER – N/A
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chair of Stewards – S Coulthard
Stewards – S Larkins, H Gillet, K McKracken.
 
 
GENERAL
Stewards accepted the reasons for the late rider notification from trainer B Johnson for apprentice T Leslight to ride PRIOR THOUGHTS in race seven.
 
Trainer B Johnson was reprimanded under LR36(6)(a) for failing to scratch dually engaged VICTORY BAY from one of it’s races prior to the prescribed time. In assessing penalty stewards were mindful of the trainers guilty plea, and clear record of more than 20 years.
 
Random trainer float, vehicle and gear bag inspections were conducted by stewards with no matters of concern identified.
 
After the running of race three apprentice S McCann was assessed by QAS officers inclusive of a concussion test and stood down for the remainer of the day. Ms McCann was advised that a medical clearance is required prior to resuming riding.
 
After the running of race five apprentice T Townsend was originally assessed by QAS officers and stood down for the remainder of the day. Ms Townsend underwent a further assessment later in the day inclusive of a concussion test and cleared of any significant injuries and therefore not required to provide a medical clearance.
 
Stewards inquired into an altercation between apprentices S McCann and T Townsend after the running of race three. After considering evidence from Steward S Coulthard, S McCann, T Townsend, E Bell, B Johnson and N Schofield the following charges were issued against apprentice T Townsend.
 
Charge 1; AR228(b) A person must not engage in:
misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour;
 
Subsequent to the running of race three apprentice Towsend engaged in improper conduct by engaging in a physical alteration with apprentice S McCann by grabbing her around the chest or neck area and pushed her against the female jockey’s room door. Ms Townsend was found guilty of the charge and fined $2000 with $1000 of the penalty wholly suspended for two years conditional on no breaches of the conduct rules in that period.
 
Charge 2; AR228(a) A person must not engage in:
conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing, whether or not that conduct takes place within a racecourse or elsewhere;
Subsequent to the running of race three apprentice Townsend conducted herself in a manner prejudicial to the image of racing in the area outside the stewards room by forcibly striking apprentice S McCann in the back of the head in full public view which resulted in industry participants taking a course of action to separate the two parties. Ms Townsend was found guilty of the charge and her license to ride in races was suspended for six months with three months of the penalty wholly suspended for two years conditional on no breaches of the same rule in that period. This suspension was ordered to commence midnight 08/04/2024 and conclude midnight 08/07/2024.
 
In assessing both penalties stewards considered the riders not guilty plea, clear record of 16 years involvement in the industry, the need for penalties to serve as a specific and general deterrent, Ms Townsend derives her income solely from riding, this type of behaviour cannot be condoned and the requirements placed upon stewards to consider the Human Rights Act 2019 and the effect of any potential penalty.   
 
 
Race 1: TOPSPORT PATRON KATE DEANE QTIS MAIDEN PLATE 1300M
 
BITONTHESIDE – Jumped inwards at the start tightening DACXI BUBBKLES.
 
DAULAT MACHIGKUDA – Bounded in the air on jumping.
 
IMPENDING RAIN – Began awkwardly.
 
POMPEY’S VALOUR – Jumped outwards at the start. Raced wide throughout.
 
ENERGIZED – Very slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Jockey J Missen was reprimanded under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for applying the whip to his mount on 6 occasions prior to the 100m, 1 more than permitted.
 
DACXI BUBBLES – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing two days prior to today’s meeting and was cleared to start. Tightened and buffeted between runners at the start.
 
TWO OF US – Hung in under pressure in the home straight. When questioned regarding the performance jockey C Bayliss advised that he felt the removal of blinkers and racing for the first time on a dirt surface impacted the overall performance of the filly. The rider further stated that his mount only travelled fairly in the run. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
 
Race 2: BARCALDINE CLEANING SERVICES BENCHMARK 45 HANDICAP 1200M
 
 
PRUDISH – Raced wide throughout before giving ground noticeably in the home straight when laying in. Carried wider rounding the home turn. When questioned regarding the performance rider P Hamblin advised that he felt the horse battled fairly and would be better suited over longer distances and may have not handled the track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
MORGAN’S SMILE – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight resulting in the rider having to stop riding and correct her mount on several occasions.
 
LE BERNADIN – Inclined to lay inwards throughout.
 
ROSAIRE – Jumped in at the start tightening MISHANI TWILIGHT.
 
MISHANI TWIGHLIGHT – Tightened at the start between runners. Raced in restricted room for some distance between the 600m and the home turn and as a result switched wide in the home straight to obtain clear racing room.
 
ROSETTES – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
HOT CHOCOLATE – Jumped outwards at the start.
 
COLONEL VON TRAPP – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing two days prior to today’s meeting and was cleared to start.
 

Race 3: SAUNDERS ELECTRICS BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 1200M
 
CHECKERS – Apprentice S McCann was advised that stewards intend to inquire into an incident that occurred near the 500m at a date to be fixed.
 
THE SQUIRE – Shifted out on jumping bumping with FREDDIE EDDIE.
 
BEPPE – Very fractious in the barriers and became entangled in the structure before under going a veterinary examination. BEPPE was declared a late scratching at 3.00pm on vets advice, with the following deductions to apply.
 
Winner – DIZZY DEVINE – 3 cents win, 3 cents place.
Second – NEW YORK WORLD – 5 cents place.
Third – THE SQUIRE – 5 cents place.
 
A post-race veterinary examination of BEPPE revealed a laceration and lameness in the near hind leg. Trainers representative for B Trimble, G Bell was advised that BEPPE has been stood down from racing pending a veterinary clearance and until a satisfactory barrier test.
Jockey T Chambers was assessed by QAS officers and clear to take her remaining mounts.
 
LIEUTENANT – Raced wide throughout.
 
FREDDIE EDDIE – Bumped on jumping. Checked near the 500m. Apprentice T Townsend was advised that stewards intend to inquire into the circumstances of her mount being checked near the 500m at a date to be fixed.
 
DIZZY DEVINE – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
Race 4: TJF MILK CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1000M
 
The start of this race was delayed significantly due to DIWALI LIGHTS failing to load into the barriers.
 
Correct weight was delayed when stewards considered a protest from fourth placed rider apprentice T Leslight (ROSETTES) against second placed JUKEBOX LUCY (J Missen) alleging interference near the 300m. After considering the available replays, evidence provide by riders and connections of the runners involved, stewards established that rounding the home turn JUKEBOX LUCY improved from the inside and behind RED ZORRO and bumped that runner wider on the point of the turn and then raced on equal terms thereafter. Despite minor interference occurring stewards could not be satisfied that the degree of that interference did not warrant altering the placings. In making the determination stewards were mindful that RED ZORRO was unable to run down JUKEBOX LUCY for the entirety of the home straight. The protest was therefore dismissed and correct weight declared on the judges placings.
 
JUKEBOX LUCY – Jumped awkwardly as a result was slow to begin, soon after the start was bumped by DEN END which shifted in. Shifted wider around the home turn and bumped with RED ZORRO.
 
LASTING PROMISE – Fractious prior to gates opening as a result was slow to begin. Raced wide throughout.
 
THANKS BRUCE – Slow into stride. Raced wide throughout.
 
DIWALI LIGHTS – Was declared a late scratching at 3.36pm when the gelding refused to be loaded into the barriers. The following deductions were ordered.
 
Winner ISSHEGREY – 2 cents win, 3 cents place.
Second JUKEBOX LUCY – 3 cents.
Third DEN END – 4 cents.
 
DEN END – Shifted in shorty after the start bumping JUKEBOX LUCY.
 
RED ZORRO – Jumped awkwardly. Bumped rounding the home turn and carried wider on the track.
 
FROZEN PRINCE – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
Race 5: GAVIN GROVES PLUMBING OPEN HANDICAP1400M
 
 
HEYINGTON STATION – Began awkwardly. Over raced in the middle stages. Hung in under pressure in the home straight.
 
FIELD OF ROSES – Slow to begin.
 
VICTORY BAY – Held up for clear racing room near the 200m.
 
Race 6: KENT CONSTRUCTIONS BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1400M
 
Stewards inquired into the circumstances where ENTERPRISE GRAND was checked near the 200m. Upon taking evidence from riders E Bell (ENTERPRISE GRAND), T Leslight (ROGER EXPRESS) and N Olzard (JET PACK) it was established that entering the home straight both ENTERPRISED GRAND and ROGER EXPRESS progressed into a tight run between the leader, TERRIUS and JET PACK and nearing the 200m JET PACK shifted inwards marginally resulting in the runners to the inside being crowded and ENTERPRISE GRAND being checked. Stewards when assessing the circumstances and the minimal shift from JET PACK could not be satisfied that the actions of any one rider or the manners of any runner could be held attributable for the incident to a degree where action should be taken against a license.
 
JERRY ZANDA – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ENTERPRISE GRAND – Due to declared rider S McCann being stood down stewards permitted E Bell as the replacement rider due to the unavailability of any other apprentice. Tightened and checked leaving the 200m.
 
BITTERSWEET PLUCK – Raced wide throughout.
 
JET PACK – Shifted in marginally under pressure near the 200m.
 
WINTILLY – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout.
 
ROGER EXPRESS – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Tightened to the inside of JET PACK near the 200m.
 
SIZZLESUN – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing two days prior to today’s meeting and was cleared to start. Slow to begin.
 
 
 
Race 7: G & G BROWNE SMASH REPAIRS CLASS 3 PLATE1200M
 
CHIEF MONDO – Late scratching at 4.25pm due to no rider being available.
 
RAPIDS – Jockey T Chambers reported that she felt there was something amiss with the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SPILL THE DIAMONDS – Late scratching at 4.25pm due to no rider being available.
 
POWER SISTER – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout.
 
PRIOR THOUGHTS – Shifted wider rounding the home turn.
 
SILENT ANGEL – Began awkwardly. Apprentice N Olzard advised that she attributed the performance to the mare failing to handle the track surface. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
ILFRACOMBE KID – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ZOROSSA – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing two days prior to today’s meeting and was cleared to start. Fractious in the barriers and reared on numerous. Reared and lost significant ground at the start. Connections were advised that the gelding has been stood down until it completes in two consecutive satisfactory barrier trials.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Trainer Bevan Johnson – LR36(6)(a) – fail to scratch a dual acceptor by prescribed time.
Race 1 Jockey J Missen – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – use of whip 6 times prior to the 100m, 1 more than permitted.
Race 7 Apprentice N Olzard – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – use of whip 6 times prior to the 100m, 1 more than permitted.
 
Fines
Apprentice T Townsend – AR228(b) – improper conduct - $2000 with $1000 wholly suspended for two years.

Suspensions
Apprentice T Townsend – AR228(a) – conduct prejudicial – license to ride in races suspended six months with three months wholly suspended for two years.
 
Race day injuries/illness
 
 
Adjourned inquiries         
Race 3 S McCann (CHECKERS) (NZ) – T Townsend (FREDDIE EDDIE)
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
TWO OF US, MORGAN’S SMILE, THE SQUIRE, HEYINGTON STATION, JERRY ZANDA, SILENT ANGEL
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 3 BEPE – Stood down barrier trial and vet clearance.
Race 4 DIWALI LIGHTS (FRA) – Refused to load in barriers – Stood down barrier trial.
Race 7 ZORROSA – Fractious barriers – reared and missed start – Stood down two consecutive barrier trials.
Protests
Race 3 – Fourth vs second - dismissed
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 1: 3 DAULAT MACHTIGKUDA - Nikki Olzard (a2/53kg),
            4 IMPENDING RAIN - Ms Savannah McCann (a2/51kg),
            5 INREADYNESS - Paul Hamblin
            8 DACXI BUBBLES - Tim Brummell
Race 2: 2 PRUDISH - Paul Hamblin
            11 COLONEL VON TRAPP - Tim Brummell
Race 3: 5 BEPPE - Ms Tasha Chambers
Race 4: 2 LASTING PROMISE - Paul Hamblin
Race 6: 2 ENTERPRISE GRAND – Emma Bell
            10 SIZZLESUN - Corey Bayliss
Race 7: 9 PRIOR THOUGHTS - Tyler Leslight (a1.5/54kg),
            13e ZOROSSA - Shane McGovern
Late scratchings
 
Race 3 BEPE – Fractious barriers scratched on vets’ advice.
Race 4 DIWALI LIGHTS (FRA) – Unable to be loaded in barriers.
Race 7 CHIEF MONDO – No suitable available rider.
Race 7 SPILL THE DIAMONDS – No suitable rider available.
 
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.