QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB – THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2018
 
WEATHER – FINE            TRACK RATING – GOOD (4)     RAIL – 6 METRES ENTIRE
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – Mr N Boyle
Stewards –Mr B Nalder, Mrs L Hicks & Mr M Heath (Cadet)
Clerk of Scales – Mr W Welburn
Judge – Mr S Bryant
Veterinarian – Dr A. Williams
Swab attendants – Mrs Z Newman & Miss N Boyle
Starter – Mr C Matthews, Mr A. Johnston
 
Race 1: The Fast Lane Drive Thru Coffee QTIS Two-Years-Old Class 2 Handicap 1100m
 
The declaration of correct weight was delayed while stewards and the connections of 3rd placegetter RUBY GEORGIE viewed the footage of the start.
 
CYCLONE TOPGIRL – Overraced in the early and middle stages.
 
RUBY GEORGIE – Reared as the start was effected, made heavy contact with the barrier partition and lost considerable ground. Trainer T. Button was advised that RUBY GEORGIE would require a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.
 
Race 2: Mitcon Projects Maiden Plate 1500m
 
EVER THE OPTIMUS – Proved disappointing. When questioned regarding the performance of the gelding, apprentice A. Sewell stated that the gelding travelled reasonably well in the early and middle stages but when asked for an effort after straightening, failed to respond to his riding. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities other than that the horse had a slightly slower than normal post-race recovery rate.
 
PRINCE OF MINE – Raced three wide without cover from the 900m.
 
DUAL PERSONALITY – Apprentice T. Williams was fined $200 for using her whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m.
 
GOLD CROWN – Slow into stride.  Apprentice D. Graham was fined $200 for using her whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m.
 
PRESCRIPTION – N. Day was fined $300 for using his whip on 11 occasions prior to the 100m. In determining penalty, stewards took into account the totality of jockey Day’s whip use (21 times).
 
Race 3: Channel 7 QTIS Three-Years-Old Handicap 1100m
 
On return to scale apprentice R. Payne, the rider of 4th placegetter ASTRAL ODYSSEY, lodged an objection against WONDER BOOM being declared 2nd, alleging interference at the 650m and again in the early part of the home straight. After taking evidence from all parties and viewing the stewards’ patrol footage, it was established that passing the 650m, ASTRAL ODYSSEY did race in restricted room, was bumped by WONDER BOOM, became unbalanced and may have lost some ground. Stewards were also of the opinion that in the early part of the home straight, when WONDER BOOM, which was racing in a loose one-wide position, rolled back towards the running rail, ASTRAL ODYSSEY did not have full purchase on a run when attempting to improve to the inside of WONDER BOOM and a short distance later had to be steadied away from that runner to obtain clear running. As stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that the ground lost by ASTRAL ODYSSEY in the incidents exceeded the margin separating both runners at the finish, the protest was dismissed and correct weight was declared.
 
PARADIS IMPERIAL – Overraced in the early and middle stages. Forced three wide approaching the home turn by WICKED EXPRESS, which shifted out to improve.
 
WONDER BOOM – Shifted in approaching the 700m and bumped another runner. Had a tendency to lay in passing the 650 despite the efforts of its rider.
 
WICKED EXPRESS – Overraced in the early and middle stages.
 
ASTRAL ODYSSEY – Trainer R. Shannon advised stewards that although the rider will carry a whip, the horse would be ridden hands and heels only. The horse was ridden accordingly. Bumped, became unbalanced and had to be steadied passing the 650m when racing in restricted room to the inside of WONDER BOOM, which shifted in slightly despite the efforts of its rider. Held up and disappointed for a run in the early part of the home straight to the inside of WONDER BOOM and had to shift wider on the track to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the manner in which the horse was ridden today, trainer R. Shannon advised that at the gelding’s previous start, which was its first start, the intention had been for it to race in a forward position, which is where it had raced when competing in trials prior to that start. He said that on that occasion the horse had drawn a wide barrier and after being hampered at the start and being marginally slow to begin, the gelding raced at the rear of the field. He added that today his instructions to the rider were, with the small field, to ride the horse where it was comfortable. He said that with no speed in the early stages the gelding was allowed to assume the lead without being pressured. Stewards advised Mr Shannon that in view of the horse’s racing pattern today and as per its racing pattern in trials, the gelding would be expected to race in a handy position or just off the speed in future starts.
 
 
 
HIDDEN GODDESS – When asked to comment on improved performance of the filly, trainer T Cook explained that at its last start the filly raced greenly and in his opinion probably should have won. He elected to experiment with some gear changes for today’s event and expected a forward showing. He further added that in his opinion these gear changes had a beneficial effect on today’s performance. Stewards accepted his explanation.
 
 
Race 4: DC Motors Maiden Handicap 1050m
 
CAUSE HAVOC – Bumped on jumping.
 
SLAYDEM – Slow to begin.
 
TINARAU MAUBOY – Fractious in the barriers and reared on a number of occasions prior to the start being effected and then began awkwardly, losing ground.
 
A LITTLEBITTAMAGIC – Stewards accepted apprentice T. Williams’ explanation for being able to claim only 1.5kg of her 2kg claim.
 
MEET HARRY – Hampered on jumping. Had to be steadied off heels passing the 900m when overracing.
 
Race 5: Willow and Ivy BenchMark 65 Handicap 1100m
 
PARTY PARDEE – Severely tightened between runners on jumping and lost ground.
 
MYSTIC FORCES – Connections advised that the horse would be ridden in a midfield position if circumstances permit.  After beginning awkwardly, the horse was ridden accordingly.
 
OUR BOY PENDLES – Began awkwardly and shifted out.
 
TIME OUT – Slow to begin. Raced three wide without cover throughout.
 
DANGEROUS DESIRE – Bumped on jumping. Passing the 900m had to be steadied when racing in restricted room.
 
Race 6: Swarv Menswear Class 6 Plate 1300m
 
BENTLES – Connections advised that, from the wide barrier, the gelding would be ridden in a midfield position if circumstances permit. The horse was ridden accordingly. Had to be steadied passing the 900m when racing in restricted room to the inside of THIN DISGUISE.
 
JETINTOIT – Slow to begin.
 
TAMBO’S HEART – Reared as the start was effected and lost considerable ground.
 
 
 
 
Race 7: Become a Club 150 Member Ratings Band 0 – 55 Handicap 1300m 
 
GLADISHING, which had an elevated temperature, was declared a late scratching at 7:42 am on veterinary advice.
 
HE’S ALL HEART – Slightly inconvenienced when tightened for room over the concluding stages.
 
MAGIC SCENE – Bumped shortly after the start.
 
BRING ME LUCK – Hampered on jumping. Brushed the running rail passing the 1100m.
 
DUDOOMP – Bumped shortly after the start.
 
THE CLANG AFFAIR – Raced three wide without cover from the 800m.
 
BONINO – Rider Q. Krogh advised stewards that it was not his intention to obtain the lead, however after being caught wide in the early stages with no opportunity to obtain cover, he allowed the gelding to stride forward to obtain the lead. Had a tendency to lay out under pressure after straightening.
 
OUR INVESTMENT – Hampered on jumping. Weakened over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the gelding’s performance, trainer Z. Hohn said she would now review the horse’s current preparation.
 
GREY PARIZ – Had to be steadied passing the 450m when tightened for room whilst weakening.
 
CRIMSON STAR – Held up approaching the 450m and was disappointed for a run to the outside of BONINO, which shifted out slightly, and went to the line without being fully tested.
 
CAPTAIN ADRIATIC – Slow to begin.
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Fines
Race 2. App. T. Williams - $200 – used whip 9 times prior to 100m – AR.137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 2. App. D. Graham - $200 – used whip 9 times prior to 100m – AR.137A(5)(a)(ii)
Race 2. N. Day - $300 – used whip 11 times prior to 100m – AR.137A(5)(a)(ii)
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed
All winners and 2nd placegetters in Races 1, 5 and 6
 
 
Warnings/Bars
Race 1. RUBY GEORGIE – reared at start, lost considerable ground – barrier certificate – AR. 8(t)
 
Protests
 
Race 3. ASTRAL ODYSSEY (4th) v. WONDER BOOM (2nd) – alleged interference near the 650m and in the early part of the home straight – dismissed
 
Late Scratchings
Race 7.         GLADISHING – 7:42 am – vet reasons
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 3.        PARADIS IMPERIAL – E. Smith
 
Published subject to correction upon revision