QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
MACKAY TURF CLUB, TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 2020
 
 
WEATHER – OVERCAST   TRACK RATING – GOOD 4         RAIL – TRUE      
PENETROMETER –  4.6  

OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards –  J. Adams
Stewards –  T. Hudson, C. Allison, E. Suli
Clerk of Scales – A. Warry
Judge – S. Bryant
Veterinarian –  Dr B. Pullen
Swab attendants – N. Paull
Starter – P. Conway
 
General
 
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards inquired into an incident which occurred following Race 9, the Fiesta Rentals Benchmark 65 Handicap. Video evidence of the incident was tendered by stewards and evidence was taken from jockey Chris McIver.
 
After considering all the evidence, jockey McIver was issued with a charge under the provisions of AR228(b), which reads:“ A person must not engage in misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour.”
 
The specifics of the charge being that Chris McIver, a licenced jockey with the Queensland Racing and Integrity Commission, did following the running of Race 9, the Fiesta Rentals BM65 Handicap, on 28 April 2020 conducted himself in an improper manner; whilst mounted on Absolute Bonza, on pulling up, did forcibly strike Absolute Bonza with his whip in the region of the head.
 
Jockey McIver pleaded guilty to the charge.
 
When considering an appropriate penalty, stewards view breaches of this kind very seriously, as it can have a detrimental effect on the image of racing, and penalties must serve as a general deterrent to illustrate to the entire racing industry that these activities cannot be condoned. Stewards also took into account previous penalties for breaches of this rule and the fact that jockey McIver had a recent breach under this rule in August 2019.
 
Stewards imposed a six (6) months disqualification of jockey McIver’s licence. Also stewards ordered that the portion of penalty of one (1) month suspension that was stayed following jockey McIvers previous breach under AR228(b), imposed on 5 September 2019, be served at the conclusion of the period of disqualification. Jockey Chris McIver’s licence was disqualified to commence on 28 April 2020, and to conclude on 28 October 2020, with the period of suspension to start at midnight, 28 October 2020, and to conclude at midnight 28 November 2020.
 
Jockey McIver was advised of his rights of appeal.
 
 
 
Race 1:  Smartstate Rentals QTIS 2yo H’cap – 1200m
 
GRAND TRICK – In the vicinity of the 1000m had to be steadied to avoid the heels of POETIC FINAL SAY when shifting in when insufficiently clear.  Jockey M. Haley, rider of POETIC FINAL SAY, was reminded of his obligations when shifting ground in future.
 
JAVA SPARROW – Laid in under pressure in the straight. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
 
ALEYSA’S DREAM – Lost its rider on pulling up. Jockey B. Appo was examined by the ambulance officers and was passed fit to fulfil his remaining engagements.  A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
 
POETIC FINAL SAY – When questioned regarding the gelding leading in today’s event, jockey M. Haley stated that after beginning well from a wide barrier  found himself in a more forward position than intended and rather than being trapped wide elected to push forward and take up a position outside the lead. He added that when placed under pressure on entering the home straight his mount failed to respond to his riding and went to the line in a disappointing manner.  A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
 
 
Race 2:  TAB Maiden H’cap – 1200m
 
KILKENNY LAD – Dislodged it rider in the saddling enclosure and became fractious and was subsequently declared a late scratching at 12.33 pm on veterinary advice, with the following deductions applicable.
3 cents in the dollar on the face value of win bets
3 cents in the dollar on the face value of win bets for the place
4 cents in the dollar on the face value of 2nd place bets
5 cents in the dollar on the face value of 3rd place bets
 
Trainer O. Cairns was advised that a veterinary clearance must be supplied for the horse prior to its next race start.
 
TOP RUNG – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after not competing in the past 12 months and was passed fit to start. Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages.
 
SERIOUS SYMPHONY -  Rider S. Watkin was permitted to ride the 1 kg overweight as there was no other available rider. Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after not competing in the past 12 months and was passed fit to start. Slow to begin.
 
CHEESY ROCKET – Jumped away awkwardly.  Rider B. Appo reported that the bit on the filly pulled through its mouth and as a result he was unable to fully test his mount at any stage.   A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
 
BALNAGAL – Knuckled on jumping away. Laid in under pressure in the straight. Raced wide throughout.
 
HARD CURRENCY – Slow to begin.
 
AZIOC – Slow to begin. Jockey A. Butler reported that on jumping away his saddle, which he was racing in for the first time, shifted back, placing him at a disadvantage throughout the event.
 
NEW SECRET – Raced green when placed under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
HUGOLOSSAL – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
Race 3:  Gina T Hair & Beauty Ratings Band 0-55 H’cap – 1050m
 
ACT OF BRAVERY – Slow to begin. Jockey B. Pengelly advised that his mount was restless in the barriers prior to jumping away, which, in his opinion, added to the fact that the gelding was slow to begin.  Trainer Mr W. Pomfrett advised stewards it was his intention to experiment with gear prior to accepting for a future race start.   
 
MAGIC CODY – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
DUKE OF CLEVELAND – Slow to begin.
 
EXOCET ROCKET – In the vicinity of the 900m was momentarily inconvenienced by SPOT ON, which shifted in contacting the gelding.  Jockey D. Graham, rider of SPOT ON, was reprimanded for allowing her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear.
 
ROCKETHEAD – In the vicinity of the 900m was momentarily inconvenienced by EXOCET ROCKET, which was carried in by SPOT ON.
 
DUTCH ROCKET – Approaching the 600m had to be checked and became awkward in its stride after being tightened for room by CRAIGLEA ALTONA, which was carried in by MINI MOUNTAIN, which in turn was carried in by SPOT ON, which shifted in when insufficiently clear.  Jockey D. Graham, rider of SPOT ON, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) and was suspended from riding in races for a period of 10 days, to commence at  midnight, 5 May and to  expire at midnight, 15 May.  In determining penalty stewards took into account jockey Graham’s good record in relation to careless riding.
 
CRAIGLEA ALTONA – Was hampered in the vicinity of the 600m. On straightening in the vicinity of the 300m was disappointed for a narrow run to the inside of SPOT ON and had to be restrained to avoid heels.
 
 
Race 4:  Casu Jacks Ratings Band 0-55 H’cap – 1050m
 
BOLD EXPECTATIONS – Reared as the start was effected and as a result was slow into stride. Trainer C. Taylor was advised that BOLD EXPECTATIONS would be required to obtain a barrier certificate prior to accepting for a future race start.
 
MIRACULOUS – Laid in in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.
 
KATIE’S GIRL – Stood flatfooted as the start was effected and missed the start (6 lengths).  Trainer T. Simmons was advised that the horse would be required to obtain 2 barrier certificates on consecutive occasions prior to accepting for a future race start. 
 
RAPTCHA’U – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
Race 5: CBG Partners Mackay Benchmark 65 H’cap – 1560m
 
HADRIAN – Rider A. Butler reported that his mount hung in throughout the event and was disappointing in its finishing efforts.  A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.  Trainer J. Wehlow was advised that HADRIAN would be required to perform competitively in an official jump out prior to a future race start.
 
CORPORAL – Jockey T. Bannon was fined $200 under AR103(4)(c)(i) for failing to submit a stable return prior to acceptance time in that she changed her colours on the morning of race day and was fined $200.
 
ELLE A WALKING – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
 
Race 6: Champion C Stud Ratings Band 0-55 H’cap – 1560m
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately 5 minutes owing to the blinkers and bridle becoming dislodged during the loading process of STREET ROGUE and having to be refitted.
 
SOUND INVESTMENT – Permission was granted for A. Butler to ride 2 kilograms over on the gelding due to no other available rider.
 
HIGH I CUE – Stewards gave permission to trainer A. Coome to use an alternate set of colours owing to him having 2 runners engaged with the same colours in this race.
 
WINSOMEMORE – Slow to begin.
 
CRAIGLEA SIMMO – Slow to begin. Held up for a short distance on entering the home straight.
 
RESINITE – Slow to begin. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
STREET ROGUE – Overraced in the early and middle stages and laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
FLYING KASS – Held up for a short distance on entering the home straight.
 
STARS DON’T RUST - Raced wide throughout.
 
THE DECKERAIDER – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
Race 7:  Cheryl Green Tanning Service Open H’cap – 1300m
 
MASON’S CHANCE – Trainer O. Cairns was fined the sum of $100 under AR106(i) for presenting MASON’S CHANCE with incorrect gear. Laid in throughout the event.
 
SENSATION ALLY – Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality. Trainer J. Manzelmann was advised that SENSATION ALLY would be required to perform competitively in an official trial prior to any future race start, and further would be restricted to non-TAB venues until finding form.  Mr Manzelmann advised that SENSATION ALLY would now be retired.
 
REGAL REECE – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
Race 8: Easyloc Mackay Benchmark 58 H’cap – 1300m
 
L’AMOUR MALADE – Jumped away awkwardly. A post race veterinary examination of the horse, which weakened noticeably in the home straight, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
 
NADEEM ESPRIT – In the vicinity of the 900m had to be restrained after improving on to heels. Raced wide throughout.
 
STATIC LIFT – Held up for clear running on entering the home straight and had to shift in to improve into clear running. Approaching the 100m again had to shift in to avoid the heels of the weakening L’AMOUR MALADE.
 
EPHESIAN – Laid out under pressure over the final stages.
 
TIME STAMP – Trainer M. Bannon was advised that a warning would be placed on the horse’s record in relation to its competitiveness.
 
 
Race 9:  Fiesta Rentals Benchmark 65 H’cap – 1100m
 
TARAKI – Slow into stride. On entering the home straight was disappointed when persisting for a run to the outside of TEN GOAL POLO and in doing so contacted DAM WONDERFUL.
 
CAPTAIN TOM – Hampered shortly after jumping away. Raced wide throughout.
 
HEY PAL – Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages.
 
SAN VINCENZO – Laid in under pressure in the straight.  Jockey T. Chambers pleaded guilty to a charge of excessive use of the whip, in that she used it 8 times prior to the 100m and 18 times in total. Jockey Chambers licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 days, to commence at midnight, Tuesday, 5 May and to expire at midnight, 11 May. In assessing penalty stewards took into account jockey Chambers poor recent record in relation to whip breaches.
 
STELLAR KNIGHT – Held up for clear running approaching the 300m and was obliged to shit wider to improve into clear running.
 
ABSOLUTE BONZA – Hung in throughout the event. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
 
DISTRICT – Raced wide throughout.
 
DIAMOND DIVA – Raced wide throughout.
 
BROKEN FINGER – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 3.           Dakota Graham – Jockey – C/riding – AR131(a)
 
Suspensions
Race 3.           Dakota Graham - A/jockey – C/riding – 10 days – M/n 5.5.20 to m/n 15.5.20 -  AR131(a)
Race 9.           Tasha Chambers – Jockey – Use whip 8 times prior to 100m/18 in total – 6 days – M/n 5.5.20 to m/n 11.5.20 – AR132(7)(a)(ii)
Race 9.          Chris McIver – Jockey – breached conditions of stayed penalty from 5 September 2019 – 1 Month – M/n 28.10.20 to m/n 28.11.20.
 
Disqualification
Race 9           Chris McIver – Jockey – Improper Conduct – 6 Months – 28.4.20 to 28.10.20.
 
 
Fines
Race 5.           Trinity Bannon – Jockey – Fail to submit stable return prior to acceptance time–  $200 - AR103(4)(c)(i)
Race 7.           Olivia Cairns – Trainer – Present Mason’s Chance with incorrect gear – $100 AR106(i)
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
Azioc, Hadrian, Planet Warrior, Inquiry, Paua, Last Chance
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners and Stellar Knight
 
Warnings/ Bars
Race 2.           Kilkenny Lad – Injured – Veterinary clearance – AR20(e)
Race 4.           Bold Expectation – Reared at start/slow into stride – B/cert – AR20(e)
Katie’s Girl – Stood flatfooted and missed the start (6L) – 2 B/certificates - Supplied on consecutive occasions – AR20(e)
Race 7.           Sensation Ally – Raced ungenerously early and middle stages – Off. Trial – Barred to non-TAB venues until form improvement – AR20(e)
Race 9.           Time Stamp – Poor performance - Warning
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 2.           So Surreel – N. Summers
                        Balingal – M. Haley
Race 3.           Mini Mountain – B. Appo
Race 4.           Raptcha’u – D. Graham
Race 5.           Paua – T. Chambers
Race 6.           Winsomemore – D. Graham
                        Sound Investment – A. Butler
 
 
 
 
Late scratching
Race 2.           Kilkenny Lad – 12.33 pm
 
 
Published subject to correction upon revision