QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB
 
ROCKHAMPTON – THURSDAY, 9 JANUARY 2025
 
WEATHER – FINE            TRACK RATING –  SOFT 5; UPGRADED TO A GOOD 4 FOLLOWING RACE 2     RAIL – +5M ENTIRE     PENETROMETER – 5.2
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E Tickner
Stewards – S Larkins, E Suli, H Gillett, G Wust & S Stehbens
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Mackay, Monday 23 December 2024
Race 4 - LADBROKES ODDS SURGE RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 Handicap (1300m)
SHEKINAH - Stewards concluded an inquiry into the riding tactics adopted by jockey Warwick Satherley on the mare, specifically his decision to not improve to the inside of LENNY ROCKET near the 200m where there appeared sufficient room to do so, and his apparent lack of vigour over the final 150m. After reviewing betting records from the event, which failed to identify any areas of concern, and taking evidence from trainer Ms G Bell, stewards determined that it had not been unreasonable for jockey Satherley to not improve into a run presented to the inside of LENNY ROCKET near the 200m, as jockey Satherley had been mindful of leaving sufficient running room for ROC DE RUSSIAN (N. Thomas) to his inside, of which SHEKINAH had already marginally tightened that runner for room, and when relieving that pressure SHEKINAH had become unbalanced and awkwardly placed on heels. Jockey Satherley further submitted at this stage, from leaving the 150m that his mount was struggling to maintain a competitive position, and had lost momentum from the incident near the 200m. Jockey Satherley further submitted that the mare had travelled only fairly throughout the event and was placed under significant pressure from the 600m, particularly returning from an extended break between races, and the mare may be better suited over further distances where able to travel on the bit. Stewards subsequently took no further action as they felt the tactics adopted, when viewed objectively, were not unreasonable in the circumstances. Jockey Satherley was advised, that of someone with his experience as a rider, he would be expected to show a level of vigour over the concluding stages, that would not leave his riding open to question.
 
Rockhampton, Thursday 19 December 2024
Race 6 - TAB MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP QUALIFIER OPEN Handicap (1200m)
NAMAZU – Trainer R Vale subsequently advised that the gelding had successfully undergone surgery to stabilise and repair an injury to the near foreleg. He added that NAMAZU would continue to undergo further rehabilitation and treatment in the coming weeks.
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweights:
Race 2.         BOYFRIEND MATERIAL – Jockey J Huxtable +1kg (56.5kg)
Race 6.         13 CHILL OUT MISS – Jockey C Meehan +1kg (55kg)

As jockey C Meehan was unable to attend the meeting due to transport difficulties, rider replacements were made as per the stewards’ race day summary.
 
Trainer S Green was reprimanded under the provisions of LR36(6) for failing to scratch dual acceptor, SUNDARA, by the prescribed time. In determining penalty, stewards were mindful that this was Mr Green’s first offence under the rule. 

 
Race 1: TAB QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP (1050m)
 
HONOURBEFORE GLORY – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
OUR EAGLE ROCK – Reared on jumping and was subsequently slow to begin. Near the 300m was heavily bumped by UNION DELEGATE, which hung in despite the efforts of its rider, and became unbalanced momentarily.  
 
UNION DELEGATE – Began awkwardly and shifted inwards, impeding VALUBIOUS. Raced greenly and was inclined to hang in throughout. Near the 300m, heavily bumped OUR EAGLE ROCK when laying in despite the efforts of its rider and proved difficult riding out over the finish.  
 
SOOVITA – Began awkwardly and shifted inwards.
 
VALUBIOUS – Impeded on jumping by UNION DELEGATE which shifted inwards. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
Race 2: GREAT NORTHERN QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP (1300m)
 
SCRUB CHAIN – Raced in restricted room in the early stages of the home straight until a point near the 400m. Laid in when placed under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
WHAT A DOOZY – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
WOODSTOCK ROCK – Bumped with UNDERRATED on jumping. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
UNDERRATED – Bumped with WOODSTOCK ROCK on jumping. After beginning only fairly settled further back than may have been anticipated. Laid out for some distance passing the 800m and bumped MORE STYLISH. Raced in restricted room in the early stages of the home straight before electing to shift out to obtain clear racing room near the 400m.
 
ACEDROD – Raced wide and without cover in the early stages.
 
ROTHFURY – Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early stages. Inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the home straight and had to be corrected by its rider on a number of occasions.
 
MORE STYLISH – Near the 800m bumped by UNDERRATED which laid out.
 
Following the running of Race 2, the track was upgraded to a GOOD 4.
 
 
Race 3: CAP YEARLING ENTRIES CLOSE 31 JANUARY MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300m)
 
AIN'T NOBODY – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
MOMENT OF TRUTH – Impeded shortly after the start by SIRENE which shifted inwards and had to be steadied. 
 
EMBELLISHED EYES (NZ) – Was fractious in the barriers prior to jumping.
 
JOLIE APOLLINE – Overraced in the early stages when being restrained. Bumped with NEO DIAMOND near the 1000m.
 
MISS PALLADIUM – Was fractious in the barrier prior to jumping. Trainer G Bell was advised that a warning would be placed on MISS PALLADIUM’s record for its barrier manners. When asked to comment on the performance, jockey J Stanley stated that after the poor start, MISS PALLADIUM had to settle further back than anticipated which in jockey Stanley’s opinion, proved detrimental to its overall chances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.    
 
DARLING CLEMENTINE – Had to be steadied and shift off the heels of ONE PERCENT near the 300m to obtain clear running.
 
NEO DIAMOND – Near the 1000m bumped with JOLIE APOLLINE and raced keenly and was inclined to hang in for some distance after. Hung-in when placed under pressure the home straight and proved difficult to ride out. Trainer P Pengelly was advised that a warning would be placed on NEO DIAMOND’s record for hanging in.
 
BOYFRIEND MATERIAL – Bumped on jumping by PITLECO LASS which shifted out. Raced in restricted room in the early stages of the home straight before shifting out to obtain clear racing room near the 300m.
 
SIRENE – Impeded by MOMENT OF TRUTH shortly after the start. Trainer G Bell advised that connections would be considering SIRENE’s immediate racing future, indicating it would most likely be retired.
 
PITLECO LASS – Began awkwardly and bumped BOYFRIEND MATERIAL.
 
 
Race 4: DYNAMIC ELECTRICAL AND REFRIGERATION BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (1400m)
 
The declaration of correct weight was delayed allowing jockey R Wiggins, the rider of forth placegetter NONDISCLOSURE, to view the stewards patrol footage to ascertain if there were grounds for an objection. After viewing the footage, jockey Wiggins declined to procced with a protest, correct weight was declared on the judges’ semaphored numbers.  
 
NONDISCLOSURE – Raced in restricted room over the final few strides and unable to be fully tested.
 
DECIDUOUS – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining a position outside the lead near the 900m.
 
YOSEMITE FALLS – Began awkwardly. Had to be steadied off the heels of CAVENTE shortly after the start when that runner shifted in. Over-raced in the early stages while being restrained to obtain a position with cover. When asked for a comment on the performance, jockey J Huxtable advised that he had been instructed to attempt to obtain a position with cover, Jockey Huxtable further added that YOSEMITE FALLS was one paced throughout the event and proved disappointing. Stewards subsequently questioned trainer N Walsh regarding the instructions and tactics adopted. Mr Walsh advised that he had intended on obtaining a position with cover behind the leaders, and not in a position as far back as the mare had obtained on this occasion. Stewards noted the comments of both trainer and rider and took no further action other than advised Mr Walsh of his obligations in advising stewards of his intentions with any change of tactics in the future.
 
CAVENTE – Began awkwardly. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. 
 
MONEY MAN – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Laid in for some distance passing the 1000m. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.   
 
THE LAST SAGA – Laid in rounding the home turn. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight. When asked for a comment on the improved performance, jockey J Murphy stated that with the better barrier draw in comparison to previous starts, THE LAST SAGA was able to obtain a more favourable position throughout the event, which proved advantageous to its finishing efforts.
 
WHATJEUDOIN' – Slow to begin. Apprentice M Apel reported that WHATJEUDOIN’ was inclined to hang out throughout the event.
 
IMAGINE THAT – Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. When asked for a comment on the tactics adopted, jockey T Chambers reported that after beginning well and identifying that there was an apparent lack of early pace in the event, she elected to stride forward and obtain the lead.
 
THE HAIRDRESSER – Raced in restricted room over the concluding stages which resulted in jockey J Stanley being unable to fully test his mount out over the final stages.
 
BIKER – Stood flat footed (3L) as the start was effected and lost ground. Trainer S Rundle was advised that a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record.
 
 
Race 5: STENHOUSE PLUMBING CLASS 3 PLATE (1050m)
 
DIDDLEY SQUAT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after having not raced in an extended period and was cleared to start. Laid in when under pressure in the home straight.   
 
STAR GAMBLE – Bounded on jumping.
 
CLOCKS TICKING – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. 
 
ALLOUTATIME – As jockey R Wiggins was unable to make the allocated weight for ALLOUTATIME, and after hearing submissions from Trainer S. Green, due to the limited number of available senior riders, stewards approved apprentice N Olzard to be the replacement rider. Jockey Wiggins was fined $200 under the provisions of AR190(3) for accepting a ride when overweight. Began awkwardly.  
 
IMPACTFULL MISS – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Carried wider rounding the home turn by AMBERINGER which laid out. When asked for a comment on the performance, apprentice L O’Donnell advised that the wide run proved detrimental in the mare’s chances, however stated that she was disappointed in the mare’s overall performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
LOVE MY LOUIS – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
AMBERINGER – Raced wide throughout. Laid out rounding the home turn and carried IMPACTFULL MISS wider. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight and had to be steadied to avoid the heels of LOVE MY LOUIS near the 200m.
 
 
Race 6: HIGGINS COATINGS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP (1200m)
 
MIL CIENTO – Raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination which revealed the gelding to be lame in the right foreleg with a suspected suspensory injury. Trainer K Smyth was advised that MIL CIENTO would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again. Stewards will follow up on the condition of the gelding in coming days.
 
SUNDARA – Raced in restricted room upon entering the home straight before shifting out off heels to obtain clear racing room and in doing so, carried OUTBACK BANDIT wider near the 450m.
 
ANSWERING – Bumped with TAHKIAN BUBBLES near the 1000m.
 
PHANTOM FLIGHT – Slow into stride.
 
DISCOVERED GOLD – Began awkwardly and was bumped by MASONARY MAN which shifted out shortly after the start.
 
OUTBACK BANDIT – Raced wide in the early stages. Carried wider by SUNDARA near the 450m.
 
TAHKIAN BUBBLES – Overraced in the early stages. Bumped with ANSWERING near the 1000m.
 
MASONRY MAN – Shifted out shortly after the start and bumped DISCOVERED GOLD. Trainer T Cook subsequently advised on return to the stable that the gelding had bled from both nostrils for the first occasion. Mr Cook was subsequently advised of the provisions of AR79(4). Mr Cook further advised that the gelding was showing signs of lameness in the right hindleg. Mr Cook was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
MONDAY CHOICE – Fractious prior to jumping. Overraced in the early and middle stages. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
CHILL OUT MISS – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
General – Trainer Sileas Green – LR36(6) – Failed to scratch dual acceptor by prescribed time
 
Fines
Race 5 – Jockey Ryan Wiggins – AR190(3) – $200 – Overweight
 
Absent jockeys
Jockey Chris Meehan – Transport
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
VALUBIOUS, MOMENT OF TRUTH, YOSEMITE FALLS, DIDDLEY SQUAT, ALLOUTATIME, MASONRY MAN
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 3 – MISS PALLADIUM – Warning – Barrier Manners
Race 3 – NEO DIAMOND – Warning – Hung In
Race 4 – BIKER – Warning – Stood Flat Footed
Race 6 – MIL CIENTO – Veterinary Clearance – Lame Right Foreleg
Race 6 – MASONRY MAN – Bled Both Nostrils – AR79(4)
Race 6 – MASONRY MAN – Veterinary Clearance - Lame Right Hindleg
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 3.         ONE PERCENT – Ryan Wiggins
                     NEO DIAMOND – App McKenzie Apel
Race 5.         GETTIN’ LIPPY – Georgina Cartwright
                     ALLOUTATIME –
Race 6.         DISCOVERED GOLD – App McKenzie Apel
                     CHILL OUT MISS – Warwick Satherley
 
 
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.