STEWARDS REPORT
 
ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB
 
THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2023
 
WEATHER – Showers      TRACK RATING –  SOFT 5          RAIL – +2 Metres
 
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E. Suli
Stewards – S. Larkins, T. Hudson, D. Macklyn, H. Gillett
Clerk of Scales – S. Coulthard
Judge – S. Bryant
Veterinarian – Dr S Olsen
Swab Attendant – E Burgess
Starter – T. Williams
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
MACKAY 16TH DECEMBER 2023 – QTIS 3YR OLD HANDICAP 1300M
SHEZAPEARLER – Trainer N. Walsh reported to stewards that he had noticed the following morning that SHEZAPEARLER had pulled up with a stone bruise in the near-side front. Trainer Walsh was advised that the filly would require a veterinary clearance prior to its next future race start.
 
GLADSTONE 16TH DECEMBER 2023 – MERRY XMAS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1517M
JELLISHOT – Trainer D. Rideout advised stewards that following the event, JELLISHOT had pulled up well, however in his opinion believed that JELLISHOT failed to handle the quick back up over the previous weeks and advised that the mare would now be sent for a spell.
 
 
GENERAL
 
Following some rain on course, the track was downgraded to a SOFT 5 prior to the running of race one. Track down further downgraded to a SOFT 7 after the running of race three.
 
 
Race 1: WARNER BUILDING GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1500 Metres)
 
The start was delayed approximately 2 minutes due to HERO OF THE PACK having to be re-saddled in the mounting yard.
 
UNLIKELY HERO – Jockey J. Huxtable pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR132(5) for his use of the whip on 18 occasions in total. Considering the riders overall recent poor record, a 14-day suspension of his license to ride in races was imposed to commence at midnight 22 December 2023 and conclude midnight 5 January 2024.
 
DIVIDER – Jockey J. Stanley was the approved late rider replacement for Jockey R. Wiggins who was unable to make the declared weight. Jockey Wiggins pleaded guilty to a charge under AR190(3) for accepting a ride and then being found to be overweight. Jockey Wiggins was fined $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the rider’s guilty plea, the minimum penalty guidelines and that Jockey Wiggins had almost 200 rides since his most recent offence. Bumped on jumping with ROCKY REBEL. Jockey J. Stanley advised that it was not his intention to race forward however after beginning well and his mount racing fresh up from a four-week break, he was able to take up a forward position. The rider further stated that the mare would be better suited ridden more conservative if circumstances permitted.
 
MR GREY – Raced wide throughout.
 
ROCKY REBEL – Shifted out on jumping bumping with DIVIDER.
 
MACFARLANE (GB) – Jumped away awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ROY'S ROAD – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Jockey B. Appo was reprimanded under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii) for his use of the whip on 7 occasions prior to the 100m, 2 more than permitted.
 
RUBY SCARLET – Slow to begin.
 
TEEKUPP – Raced wide throughout.
 
HERO OF THE PACK – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Overraced in the early stages. Had to shift out leaving the 200m to attempt to obtain clear racing room after initially looking to improve to the inside of SPICCATO which after hanging outwards, shifted back in when being corrected.
 
SPICCATO – Hung out throughout. Hung out badly in the home straight placing Apprentice T. Fenlon at difficulties when riding the mare out. Trainer K. Smyth was advised that the mare has been stood down from racing until the completion of a satisfactory trial.
 
 
Race 2: WADE HUNT IT QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP (1200 Metres)
 
DESERT KOBY – Shifted out on jumping and bumped BLUE WHISKEY. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a poor post-race recovery.
 
SLASHER – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
RIVERVIEW RED – Jumped outwards at the start crowding BRAVE INFORMER.
 
CRYPTESS – Jockey J. Stanley advised that he intended to race in a more forward position however due to the pace shown by runners drawn wider on the track he elected to settle off the pace.
 
MARBLE ANGEL – Jumped inwards at the start crowding BRAVE INFORMER.
 
BRAVE INFORMER – Hampered and checked at the start between RIVERVIEW RED, which jumped outwards and MARBLE ANGEL, which jumped inwards. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
DIVINE HALO – Began awkwardly. Checked away from the heels of RIVERVIEW RED rounding the turn near the 900m mark. At an inquiry, where evidence was taken from Jockeys B. Appo (DIVINE HALO) and J. Murphy (RIVERVIEW RED) it was established that leading up to the turn, DIVINE HALO which was positioned one position away from the rail, had commenced to overrace and hang out when being restrained, while at the same time RIVERVIEW RED had raced into a three wide position which resulted in DIVINE HALO being checked. As stewards were satisfied that the main contributing factor for the incident was the manners of DIVINE HALO no further course of action was deemed necessary.
 
MOON OVER MATILDA – Laid in under pressure over the final 400m.
 
BLUE WHISKEY – Bumped on jumping by BLUE WHISKEY and dipped soon after.
 
 
Race 3: THE AGENCY CLASS 6 PLATE (1050 Metres)
 
DEFERENCE – Jumped away awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Bumped with POET’S GIRL on a number of occasions near the 400m.
 
MISTER LARRABEE – Slow to begin.
 
EYEWITNESS – Apprentice T. Fenlon was reminded of her obligation to ensure her mounts are ridden out fully to the finish.
 
POET'S GIRL – Rounding the turn near the 650m was awkwardly placed on heels when overracing. Bumped with DEFERENCE on a number of occasions near the 400m when attempting to obtain clear running. Unable to obtain clear racing room until leaving the 400m.
 
DOLLAR DOLLAR (NZ) – Slow to begin.
 
OCEAN EMPEROR – Raced wide throughout.
 
THISLAND IS MYLAND – Held up for clear racing room until leaving the 300m.
 
 
Race 4: ROCKHAMPTON BUSINESS MACHINES RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP (1050 Metres)
 
AIRIT – Jumped in the air at the start, began awkwardly and shifted in and crowded WINDSONG. Raced wide throughout. Jockey J. Stanley advised that his mount failed to handle the soft conditions.
 
BORNEES LAD – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
CROWN REACH – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
FAV'S FLYER – Raced wide throughout.
 
I AM BOLT – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin. Held up for clear running until leaving the 300m.
 
AFROGINASOCK – Slow to begin. When questioned regarding the improved performance Trainer K. Sinclair advised that due to the horses racing pattern the gelding was always running on well from a rearward position and with the added benefit of a long straight, he was comfortable AFROGINASOCK would perform reasonably well. Detained on course for post-race blood sampling. Apprentice T. Fenlon was fined $300 under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using the whip on 6 occasions prior to the 100m, 1 more than permitted.
 
DONMORE GIRL – Jockey L. Tilley was the approved late rider replacement for Jockey R. Wiggins who was unable to make the declared weight. Stewards elected not to take action against Jockey Wiggins due to the prevailing weather conditions which resulted in gear and riding apparel becoming very wet, which impacted the opportunity to ride at the allocated weight. Connections advised that due to the deteriorating track conditions and the wide barrier draw the filly would look to be ridden more conservatively. Ridden accordingly. Slipped near the 700m.
 
PARA PARK CHANCE – Jumped inwards at the start. Raced wide throughout.
 
WINDSONG – Tightened and crowded for room shortly after the start.
 
NOUVERRE FILLE – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
Race 5: MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP QUALIFIER OPEN HANDICAP (1200 Metres)
 
ART BY CONCORDE – Inclined to over race in the early stages. When questioned regarding the performance, Jockey P. Hamblin advised that the drop back in distance, softer conditions and the horse failing to quicken when placed under pressure resulted in the performance being disappointing. Trainer C. Smith advised that he intends to spell the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
DEEP BREATH – Slow into stride.
 
SIR ROCKET – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
WREN'S DAY (USA) – Jockey R. Wiggins was the approved as the late rider replacement for Jockey A. Butler who was unable to make the declared weight. Stewards elected not to take action against Jockey Butler due to the prevailing weather conditions which resulted in gear and riding apparel becoming very wet, which impacted the opportunity to ride at the allocated weight. Jockey Wiggins reported that his mount failed to handle the soft conditions. Trainer T. Cook concurred with the thoughts of the rider.
 
TIGER LEGEND – Overraced in the early and middle stages. Passing the 600m switched wider to obtain clear running. Laid in over the concluding stages.
 
COCHRANE – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Over raced in the early and middle stages.
 
 
Race 6: TAB CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200 Metres)
 
ALIKICK – Was declared a late scratching at 4.52pm when unable to be loaded in the barriers. Stewards ordered that all bets on ALIKICK be refunded in full and the following betting deductions were to apply:
 
1st – no deduction for win bets – less 2 cents place bets.
2nd – less 2 cents.
3rd – no deductions.
 
Trainer J. Devine was advised that ALIKICK would be required to trial prior to its next future race start.
 
STREET GLORY – Shifted in on jumping bumping with OBLIIQUITY.
 
GILBERT'S GOLD – Overraced in the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight and when being corrected near the 100m, shifted out before being corrected by the rider.
 
OBLIQUITY – Bumped at the start and was carried in bumping with SOARING SPIRIT.
 
ROWBOSITI – Overraced in the early stages. Raced wide early.
 
SOARING SPIRIT – Buffeted soon after the start between OBLIQUITY and GILBERT’S GOLD.
 
LOVE MY LOUIS – Jumped away awkwardly and was slow to begin. Over raced in the early stages. Steadied momentarily near the 100m when GILBERT’S GOLD shifted ground outwards.
 
 
Race 7:GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 3 PLATE (1400 Metres)
 
MOORABINDA MICK – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
SRINI – Bumped with LYNRIC LASS on jumping.
 
ROSE OF TAORMINA – Bumped at the start.
 
VANA STAR – Appeared to clip heels soon after the start resulting in Apprentice O. Kendal being dislodged. Apprentice Kendal was attended to by QAS officers and cleared of any injuries. Stewards inquired into the circumstances where VANA STAR clipped the heels of CANNY BE BETTER soon after the start. After considering evidence provided by Apprentice O. Kendal (VANA STAR) and Jockey L. Tilley (TOP SPY), the available replays and the stewards own observations it was determined that Apprentice Kendal, on VANA STAR, had elected to restrain to trail CANNY BE BETTER and when doing so TOP SPY had shifted in towards a three wide position. Simultaneous to VANA STAR shifting inwards behind CANNY BE BETTER, VANA STAR clipped heels and dislodged the rider. Due to the inconclusive nature of the replay’s stewards could not be satisfied that the actions of any rider were to blame and reported the matter as such. A post-race veterinary examination of VANA STAR revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
GULF OF SIDRA – Shifted out at the start and bumped with ROSE OF TAORMINA.
 
LYNRIC LASS – Bumped with SRINI on jumping. Severely checked soon after the start and made heavy contact with the inside running rail resulting in Jockey T. Chambers becoming significantly unbalanced. A post-race veterinary examination of the mare revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
TOP SPY – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
 
Race 1 - Beau Appo – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of the whip 7 times prior to 100m
 
Fines
 
Race 1 – Ryan Wiggins – AR190(3) – Overweight - $100
 
Race 4 – Apprentice Tahlia Fenlon – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of whip 6 times prior to the 100m – $300

Suspensions
 
Race 1 – Justin Huxtable – AR132(5) – Use 18 times in totality – 14 days suspension – Mn 22/12/23 – Mn 5/1/24
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race.
QUARTERSHARE, JUST SUPER, EAGLE EYE STAR, DEEP BREATH, OBLIQUITY, ENCRAOCHMENT.
 
Horses swabbed post-race.
All winners, AFROGINASOCK
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 SPICCATO – stood down one satisfactory trial.
 
Race 6 – ALIKICK – Failed to Load – To Trial
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 4 – DONMORE GIRL – Les Tilley
Race 5 – WREN’S DAY – Ryan Wiggins
 
Late scratchings
 
ALIKICK – Late Scr @ 4:52pm – Refused to load
 
 
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.