QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB
 
Thursday 23rd May 2024
 
WEATHER – FINE
TRACK RATING – SOFT 5
RAIL +6.5m entire
PENETROMETER – 5.8
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E Suli
Stewards – S Larkins, T Hudson, H Gillett, S Stehbens
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Stewards attended the stables of trainer N Walsh to inquire into the reasons for the scratchings of OLIGARCHY and PENMAN in the 1400M Class 6 Handicap. Stewards sought to clarify comments Trainer N Walsh had previously stated on the 14th of May, in that he was going to race OLIGARCHY at Mackay rather than Rockhampton after he believed the gelding did not handle the firm track conditions on that day. Trainer N Walsh stated that whilst his intentions were to send OLIGARCHY to Mackay, he still accepted in Rockhampton as he believed the track conditions may not be as firm as he believed it to be last meeting. He added however, that after consultation with the owners last week, he had also elected to also nominate for Gladstone on Saturday 25th May to let OLIGARCHY attempt the softer sand track conditions and intended on accepting for that meeting as preference.
 
Trainer Walsh also conceded that whilst PENMAN was nominated for a much stronger graded race today, he was of the opinion that the race may have a low number of nominations and it would be a chance for the gelding to earn some prizemoney for connections after being beaten as a favourite in its last race. He added that whilst he intended on racing PENMAN in the event, after checking temperatures of all his runners on 22nd May, he was concerned with the high readings from PENMAN as well as another runner HELL and was subsequently forced to withdraw both runners. Trainer Walsh furnished veterinary certificates for both PENMAN and HELL. As a result of the comments made by Trainer Walsh, the stable inspection which confirmed both runners were in conditions suitable to race in the immediate future and the veterinary evidence tendered, stewards took the matter no further.
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards approved the following overweights:
 
Race 1 – J. Stanley – +1/2kg
Race 2 – L. Tilley – +1kg
Race 2 – T. Chambers – +1kg
Race 5 – L. Tilley – +1kg
Race 5 – B. Newport – +1kg
Race 6 – T. Chambers – +1/2kg
Race 7 – R. Wiggins – +1/2kg 
Race 7 – J. Stanley – +1kg
Race 7 – C. Whiteley – +1kg
Race 7 – B. Newport – +1kg
 
 
Race 1: MILNE BROS QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD HANDICAP         (1300 M)
 
FINE SHOT – Slow to begin. Inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 200m.
 
CHERRY ROSE – Jumped outwards at the start.
 
PAPASITO – Slow to begin and jumped outwards at the start. Awkward into stride.
 
THE BLONDE GODDESS – Over raced in the early and middle stages. Jockey W Satherley reported that his mount failed to let down during the run. The rider also added that THE BLONDE GODDESS was very agitated and worked up prior to the race which is contrary to the filly’s usual pre-race mannerism’s. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainer G Green advised that he disappointed with the performance and was of the view that the filly may need a freshen up.
 
 
Race 2: GET YOUR ROCKY CUP CALCUTTA DINNER TICKETS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP         (1300 M)
 
The start of this race delayed due to FLYING MAPLE having to undergo farrier work to the near fore plate, which shifted enroute to the barriers.
 
PLAYED – Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
MR SQUIGGLE'S MATE – Began awkwardly. Inclined to over race in the early stages. Bumped and carried wider by JERIDAH near the 900m.
 
JERIDAH – Restrained from the heels of JERIDAH near the 1000m and raced ungenerously for a short distance. Shifted out near the 900m carrying MR SQUIGGLE’S MATE wider. Jockey G Cartwright reported that her mount felt poor in its action during the run. A post-race veterinary examination revealed soreness in both front feet. Trainer K Miller was advised that JERIDAH would require a veterinary clearance prior to its next start. Trainer K Miller advised that the gelding has periodically displayed signs of soreness in the feet and despite concerted efforts and treatments the issue continues to persist. The trainer advised that JERIDAH is likely to be retired.
 
COOL STORY – Jumped out at the start bumping TIME TO TURN.
 
FLYING MAPLE – Jockey L Tilley was unable to offer any tangible explanation for the seemingly disappointing performance of his mount. Trainer R Vale advised that the filly has been inclined to over race in recent starts and proved to be disappointing and it is his intention to make gear alterations and look for races over a shorter distance than that of todays event. The trainer then added that he intends to have blood test conducted in the coming days and report to stewards anything that may assist to explain todays performance.
 
TIME TO TURN – Bumped at the start by COOL STORY. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
Race 3: NAB REGIONAL AND AGRIBUSINESS CLASS 3 PLATE (1050 M)
 
Prior to correct weight, Trainer R Vale and jockey R Wiggins (PRETTY SLICK) requested to view the start in relation to whether the field began on equal terms. After viewing the replays, both parties were satisfied that a fair start had been effected and correct weight was declared.
 
RUBUNKAR – Jumped away awkwardly. Laid in rounding the turn near the 700m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ACROPHOBIC – Slow into stride. Inclined to over race in the middle stages.
 
SINGLE MEMO – Began awkwardly and blundered on jumping.
 
SIX SIDES – Slow to begin.
 
 
Race 4: TAB CLASS 6 HANDICAP (1400 M)
 
AWOL (NZ) – Laid out over the concluding stages.
 
TRACK TALE – Approaching the 1200m had to steady briefly when VILLADEN shifted in marginally before being corrected by it rider. Commenced to race keenly from the 1100m for some distance.
 
VILLADEN (NZ) – Shifted near the 1200m briefly tightening TRACK TALES. Apprentice B Johnson was advised the take greater care in similar circumstances.
 
HOLIDAY DREAMS – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride. Raced wide early. Pulled hard in the middle stages.
 
 
Race 5: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100 M)
 
The start of this race was delayed due to EXCITE CHOO undergoing a pre-race vet examination after being kicked by another runner behind the barriers. EXCITE CHOO was cleared to start.
 
SCRIBBLE – Began awkwardly.
 
EXCITE CHOO – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after being kicked by another runner and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly. Raced wide early.
 
CUMIN SPINNER – Held up for clear running until approaching the 300m.
 
THE EIGHTH I AM – Threw its head in the air at the start. Raced wide early.
 
HOLY CROWN – Threw its head in the air at the start.
 
GREEN PARK – Slow to begin. Over raced around the first turn and was awkwardly placed on the heels of STREET NEEDS when being restrained. Contacted the inside running rail near the 550m.
 
STREET NEEDS – Hung out around the first turn and then continued to lay out for the remainder of the race. Jockey L Tilley reported that due to his mount hanging out, he was placed at some difficulty during the run. Trainer J Lancaster was advised that a warning has been placed against the racing manners of STREET NEEDS.
 
ATLANTIC LACE – Slow to begin.
 
 
Race 6: PINK RIBBON DAY SATURDAY 15 JUNE CLASS 3 PLATE (1600 M)
 
THE LAST SAGA – Slow into stride. Apprentice T Fenlon advised that her mount raced very greenly when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
KING SAMUEL – Fractious prior to the start. Began awkwardly and bumped with GOGGLEBOX.
 
VOLDEMORT – Commenced to over race soon after the start and raced wide throughout. When questioned regarding racing wide throughout and the tactics adopted, jockey B Newport advised he was hopeful of obtaining cover in the initial stages, however once VOLDERMORT commenced to over race in the early stages he was unable to restrain to a degree that allowed him to obtain a position closer to the inside running rail. Mr Newport also added that due to other runners progressing forward to his inside this also made his attempts to obtain a more desirable position even more difficult.
 
GOGGLEBOX – Bumped at the start with KING SAMUEL. Raced keenly during the early stages.
 
 
Race 7: RED LION HOTEL OPEN HANDICAP (1300 M)
 
HARD REYVA – Slow into stride. Bumped by READY FOR MAGIC near the 150m.
 
MOMACK – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
READY FOR MAGIC – Laid out under pressure over the final 300m and contacted HARD REYVA near the 150m. Apprentice M Castle was reminded to ensure that she stops riding and straightens her mounts in similar circumstances.
 
FASTCONI – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination behind the barriers after being kicked by another runner and was cleared to start. Held up for clear running until near the 400m.
 
MOENAVE – Slow to begin. Had difficulty obtaining a clear run in the early part of the home straight. Was unable to gain clear running over the final 100m and went to the line without being fully tested.
 
MEDIA EMPIRE – Over raced in the early and middle stages when leading.
 
KAHAYLAAN – Began awkwardly. Raced fiercely during the early stages.
 
 
Race 8: ROCKY CUP 13 JULY TICKETS ON SALE NOW BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP (1200 M)
 
PALATIAL PRINCE – Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
LUVIN' OUR GRACE – raced wide with cover throughout.
 
OBLIQUITY – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
THE HAIRDRESSER – Raced wide without cover.
 
IMAGINE THAT – raced wide throughout.
 
TOM ROCKS – Slow to begin.
 
TAKERU – Raced wide throughout with cover. Inclined to lay in when placed under pressure.
 
DOOM DIVA – Slow to begin.
 
WHATJEUDOIN' – Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
RUMBLING BOY, SIX SIDES, AWOL, HOLY CROWN, GENERAL WOLFFE, TAKERU, JUNGLE BEAT.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 2.         JERIDAH – Stood down veterinary clearance.
Race 5.         STREET NEEDS – Warning hanging out.
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 8.         IMAGINE THAT – J Stanley
 
 
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.