QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB

ROCKHAMPTON - FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025

WEATHER – FINE
TRACK RATING – SOFT 5; GOOD 4 FOLLOWING RACE 2
RAIL – +2.5M ENTIRE
PENETROMETER – 5.61

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – E Tickner
Stewards – S Larkins, E Suli, H Gillett & S Stehbens

GENERAL

Stewards permitted the following Overweights:
Race 6, No. 8 DESERT KOBY – Jockey S Cormack - +1kg (55kg)
Race 8, No. 12 VOLARCHI – Jockey A Sewell - +0.5kg (54.5kg)
 

Race 1: GREAT NORTHERN QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP (1050m)

The start of the race was delayed when KRACKACAN proved difficult to load.
 
KRACKACAN – Began awkwardly. Trainer D Johnston was advised that a warning would be placed on KRACKACAN for proving difficult to load.
 
OLD GOLD – Began very awkwardly and shifted inwards shortly after the start impeding POWER CHIC. Commenced to buck for some distance after the start and lost significant ground. Inclined to lay out when placed under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any apparent abnormalities. Trainer C Taylor was advised that OLD GOLD would now be required to trial in full race-day gear prior to retuning to racing.
 
OUR EAGLE ROCK – Began awkwardly.
 
BABUSHKA DOLL – Began awkwardly. Bumped and carried wider leaving the 900m when POWER CHIC laid out. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
DESARAE DOLL – Carried wider leaving the 900m by BABUSHKA DOLL when POWER CHIC hung outwards. Raced wide throughout.
 
POWER CHIC – Began awkwardly and impeded shortly after the start when OLD GOLD shifted inward. Commenced to over-race leaving the 900m and hung outwards whilst attempting to being restrained, carrying BABUSHKA DOLL wider. Laid outwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 

Race 2: TAB MAIDEN HANDICAP (QTIS BONUSES FOR 3YO'S ONLY) (1200m)

REMEMBER THE BOYS – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
SUPER TALON – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
ROYAL GLADIATOR – Momentarily restrained near the 900m to obtain a position on the rail. Near the 500m was momentarily inconvenienced by FLY TRAP when that runner shifted outwards.
 
CULTURAL SPIRIT – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin as a result. Over raced in the early and middle stages. Raced wide throughout. Laid out over the concluding stages. When questioned on the seemingly poor performance, trainer K Smyth stated that it was the stable’s intention to have CULTURAL SPIRIT settle further forward, however after beginning poorly and subsequently being caught wide, he was of the view that this had proved detrimental to the gelding’s chances. He further added that CULTURAL SPIRIT may be better suited racing over further distances.
 
OFFANGO – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
ANGE – Began awkwardly. Jockey R Wiggins reported that his mount raced greenly throughout the event.
 
LATIN LOVE – Raced keenly in the early stages. Held up for some distance leaving the 600m.
 
FLY TRAP – Near the 500m, obliged to shift outwards off the heels OFFANGO to obtain clear racing room and momentarily inconvenienced ROYAL GLADIATOR. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
JOLIE APOLLINE – Began awkwardly and slow to begin as a result.
 
Following the race apprentice M Apel was assessed by QAS due to minor shoulder soreness and was cleared to fulfil her remaining engagements.
 
The track was upgraded to a Good 4 following the running of this race.
 

Race 3: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY CLASS 4 HANDICAP (1200m)

DIDDLEY SQUAT – Shifted outwards under pressure near the 100m, momentarily inconveniencing GROWL.
 
VIENNAWAITSFORYOU – Bounded on jumping and was slow into stride as a result. Over raced in the middle stages. Raced in restricted room from the 600m until a point near the 300m before being able to obtain clear running
 
GROWL – Held up for clear racing room until a point near the 300m. Momentarily inconvenienced near the 100m when DIDDLEY SQUAT shifted outwards under pressure. Apprentice B Johnson was reprimanded under the provisions AR131(b) for failing to ride her mount out fully to the finish. When considering penalty stewards, were satisfied that Ms Johnsons actions had not compromised her mount’s chances of finishing third, however were of the opinion her vigour was far below the expected standard.
 
BOOMING LAD – Hung in rounding the home turn. Hung in when placed under pressure in the home straight. When questioned in relation to the performance, jockey A Butler stated that BOOMING LAD was inclined to hang in throughout the event and proved difficult to ride out, and consequently was unable to be ridden out with his usual vigour. Trainer T Simmons was advised that a warning would be placed in the gelding’s record for its racing manners.
 
RUBUNKAR – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
DIVINE HUNTER – Slow to begin. When questioned in relation to the performance, apprentice T Fenlon stated that it was her instructions to obtain a forward position, however after beginning slowly she was unable to do so and subsequently settled mid-field. She further added the mare only travelled fairly throughout the event. Stewards questioned trainer J Manzelmann in relation to the instructions issued to apprentice T Fenlon. Mr Manzelmann confirmed that he had issued the instructions to find a more prominent position. Mr Manzelmann was subsequently reprimanded under AR100(1)(a) for failing to declare a tactic change to the stewards. In assessing the matter, stewards noted Mr Manzelmann’s record.
 
 
Race 4: GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS MARCH SALE BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP (1500m)

ACROPHOBIC – Raced keenly in the early stages. When questioned in relation to the performance, apprentice N Olzard stated that the heavy weight impost allotted to the gelding proved detrimental to its finishing efforts.
 
GET WHAT YOU GIVE – Laid out under the pressure over the concluding stages.
 
SIR GRACE (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
 
Race 5: ST PATRICK'S DAY RACES 15TH MARCH BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP (1600m)

DECIDUOUS – Bounded on jumping bumping BELLA TIVACI (NZ). Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
BELLA TIVACI (NZ) – Bumped by DECIDUOUS on jumping and impeded shortly after by BOLD SMUGGLER. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
ASTRA STAR – Began awkwardly. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BOLD SMUGGLER – Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
DIASONIC – Slow to begin before being bumped on jumping by LEICA BITA FUN.
 
LEICA BITA FUN – Began awkwardly and bumped DIASONIC. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 

Race 6: CYS SALE & RACES 11 TO 13 APRIL OPEN HANDICAP (1100m)

DOUBTING EYE – Laid inwards over the concluding stages.
 
POET'S DAY – After beginning only fairly from the widest barrier settled further back than may have been expected. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
JOHNNY DASH – Began awkwardly. Apprentice N Olzard was spoken to advisedly in relation to improving into a tight run to the inside DESERT KOBY approaching the 900m turn.
 
DESERT KOBY – Trainer J. McConachy was fined $100 under AR227(a) for failing to adhere the overweight directive policy and declare Jockey Cormack as requiring 1kg over the allotted weight of 54kg.
 
 
Race 7: CAPRICORNIA YEARLING SALE QTIS JEWEL QUALIFIER 3YO PLATE (1100m)

SCRUB CHAIN – Apprentice T Fenlon was found guilty of a charge under the provisions AR131(a) for careless riding in that near the 900m, she exercised insufficient effort in preventing her mount from shifting in, dictating RUN AWAY RENEE inwards, which was insufficiently clear of BETTER THAN WORDS which had to check, before that runner was further carried inwards onto BOLD CHANGE, which was also obliged to check and lost its rightful running. Apprentice Fenlon was subsequently suspended for a period of 11 days commencing Midnight Sunday, 23 February 2025 and to concluding Midnight Thursday, 6 March 2025. In assessing penalty, stewards considered the interference and carelessness to be in the mid-range, her apprentice status and record. Apprentice Fenlon was advised of her rights to an appeal.
 
ASK ME MATE – Slow to begin.
 
BOLD CHANGE – Slow into stride. Near the 900m was obliged to check and lost ground when tightened for room by BETTER THAN WORDS which was carried inwards by RUNAWAY RENEE. Laid in throughout the event. When asked to comment on the performance, jockey R Wiggins reported that his mount had felt uncomfortable in its action during the event. A subsequent post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the left-foreleg. Trainer G Taylor was advised that BOLD CHANGE would require a veterinary certificate prior to racing again.  
 
KAI MONDO – Shifted outwards over the concluding stages.
 
POWER OF KATIE – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
AMBERINGER – Began awkwardly. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BETTER THAN WORDS – Near the 900m had to be checked and lost ground when tightened for room by RUN AWAY RENEE which was directed inwards.
 
THORMENDOUS MISS – Began awkwardly.
 
RUN AWAY RENEE – Trainer C Taylor has advised that the filly will be ridden more conservatively if circumstances permit. Settled mid-field. Crowded for room and dictated inwards near the 900m by SCUB CHAIN. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 

Race 8: THOMOS BETTA HOME LIVING CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100m)

CHARMED PASSAGE (NZ) – Prior to the running of the race the right hind shoe was reshod. Began awkwardly.
 
AGE OF AQUARIUS – Held up for clear running from the 600m until a point near the 400m before shifting outwards in an attempt to obtain clear running bumping ME TIME, and carrying that runner wider.
 
ELECTRIC BRAE – Apprentice N Olzard reported it was not her intention to lead however after beginning well from the wide barrier elected to allow her mount to settle where comfortable.
 
PHANTOM FLIGHT – Slow to begin.
 
ME TIME – Near the 400m bumped by AGE OF AQURIUS and carried wider. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. Raced wide throughout. Apprentice T Fenlon pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR131(b) for failing to ride her mount out fully to the finish, which in the stewards’ opinion may have compromised her mounts chances of finishing fourth. When considering penalty, stewards were mindful that her mount had still maintained its fourth-place finish, however were of the opinion that her vigour was far below the expected standard.
 
D'ESPRIT – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout.
 
MASALI RAFFA – Began awkwardly. Over raced in the early stages when being restrained to obtain a position closer to the rail. Raced in restricted room in the early stages of the home straight. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
MISS RINEHART – Bounded on jumping. Raced wide throughout.
 
 
 




STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 3 – Apprentice B Johnson – AR131(b) – Failing to ride mount out fully to the finish - Reprimand
Race 3 – Trainer J Manzelmann – AR101(a) – Fail to notify tactic change – Reprimand
 
Fines
Race 6 – Trainer J McConachy – AR227(a) - $100 - Failure to adhere to overweight directive
Race 8 – Apprentice T Fenlon – AR131(b) - $200 – Failing to ride mount out fully to the finish
 
Suspensions
Race 7 – Apprentice T Fenlon – AR131(a) – Careless Riding – M/N 23/02/2025 until M/N 6/03/2025

Race day injuries/illness
Race 2 – Apprentice M Apel – Minor shoulder soreness

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
CULTURAL SPIRIT, DIDDLEY SQUAT, SIR GRACE, JOHNNY DASH, DESERT KOBY & BETTER THAN WORDS

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1 – KRACKACAN – Warning – Proved difficult to load.
Race 1 – OLD GOLD – Trial in official race day gear – Bucked
Race 3 – BOOMING LAD – Warning – Hung-in
Race 7 – BOLD CHANGE – Veterinary certificate – Lame near-foreleg
 
 


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.