QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
ROMA PICNIC RACE CLUB
 
ROMA – SATURDAY, 23 MARCH 2024
 
WEATHER – OVERCAST/SHOWERS   TRACK RATING –  SAND             RAIL – TRUE
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E. Tickner
Stewards – F. Hartford
 
GENERAL
 
When Jockey B. Richardson was unavailable, replacements were made as per the Stewards’ race-day Summary.
 
When both Apprentice L. O’Donnell and Jockey A. Bakos-Schrapel became indisposed following incidents in Race 1 and 2, replacements were made as per the Stewards’ race-day summary.
 
Upon arrival at the course, Stewards identified several sections of the track from the 400m to the 600m and the 1000m chute which required remedial work. Following the completion of these and an inspection by Stewards and Senior Jockeys, the track was considered in satisfactory condition to proceed with the race-meeting.
 
Due to the ongoing rainfall throughout the race-meeting, remedial work was conducted between races to ensure the track remained in satisfactory condition for racing.
 
Stewards intend to inquire into the presence of Apprentice L. O’Donnell’s mobile phone being located in the Jockeys’ Room following the incidents in Race 1.
 
 
Race 1: SOMERVILLE HOUSE & BRISBANE BOYS COLLEGE CLASS 3 PLATE (900m)
 
The start of this race was considerably delayed when both Apprentice A. Graham and Apprentice L. O’Donnell were both dislodged in the mounting yard and required attention from QAS officers resulting in the necessitation of a second ambulance. Apprentice Graham was assessed with consideration of the QRIC concussion protocol and deemed fit to fulfill her remaining engagements. Apprentice L. O’Donnell was transported to Roma Hospital for further treatment. Apprentice L. O’Donnell will be advised she requires a medical clearance prior to race-riding again.
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards and Trainer M. Gavin (ZA HIDDEN DRAGON) to view footage of the start. Once both parties were satisfied that the gelding’s poor start was directly attributable to its barrier manners, correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
GAZZMAN – Became fractious in the mounting yard, reared and dislodged Apprentice L. O’Donnell. Declared a late scratching on Stewards’ orders at 1:21pm. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ruled that given the close proximity of scratching times between GAZZMAN and LIMITED REALITY, the following deductions prior to 1:21pm on all successful wagers be deducted the following amount:
 
48 cents for the Win
34 cents for the Place
 
Trainer W. Pugsley was advised the gelding would be required to barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to racing again. Underwent a veterinary examination which revealed no abnormalities.

LIMITED REALITY – Proved reluctant to leave the mounting yard, dislodging Apprentice A. Graham in the process before galloping a considerable distance riderless. Declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 1:18pm.
 
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ruled that given the close proximity of scratching times between GAZZMAN and LIMITED REALITY, the following deductions prior to 1:18pm on all successful wagers be deducted the following amount:
 
48 cents for the Win
34 cents for the Place
 
Trainer W. Baker was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record for its pre-race manners.
 
LOST MEDIA – Began very awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ZA HIDDEN DRAGON – Reared on jumping and lost considerable ground. Tailed the field throughout. Trainer M. Gavin was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record.
 
PALACE KEYS – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
I AM THOR – Raced keenly in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have suffered bilateral epistaxis the first occasion. Trainer R. Tyrell was advised of the provisions of AR79(4).
 
 
Race 2: STATHAM CHEESMAN BENCHMARK 45 HANDICAP (1000m)
 
The running of this race was considerably delayed when RISING SPIRIT became extremely fractious in the barriers and dislodging Jockey A. Bakos-Schrapel before becoming loose and requiring Jockey A. Bakos-Schrapel was immediately examined by QAS officers and was transported to Roma Hospital with a suspected leg injury. Jockey Bakos-Schrapel was advised she requires a medical clearance prior to race-riding again. An immediate veterinary examination of RISING SPIRIT revealed an injury to the near-foreleg which required veterinary attention.
 
Due to the necessitation of the arrival of a second ambulance, and RISING SPIRIT requiring transportation to Roma Veterinary Hospital for immediate further veterinary treatment, all runners were returned to the mounting yard. At this time, MORE MAX who was adjacent to RISING SPIRIT underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was passed fit to start.
 
MORE MAX – Slow to begin. Raced keenly on heels for a short distance approaching the 800m.
 
ARTIE’S DESTINY – Bumped on jumping. Approaching the 800m, when not fullyclear of LIPSTICK LIES, who was obliged to momentarily steady and shift to the outside of that runner. Apprentice L. Sykes was advised to exercise greater care.
 
HOT SUNDAE – Bumped on jumping. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
LAYLAH’S WISH – Began awkwardly. Jockey J. Rudd stated the mare was not suited by the heavy weight impost. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame in the near-foreleg. Trainer M. Hill was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
MURPHY’S RIVER – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
RISING SPIRIT – Became fractious in the barriers and declared a late scratching at 2:26pm on veterinary advice. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ruled the following deductions prior to 2:26pm on all successful wagers be deducted the following amount:
 
19 cents for the Win
16 cents for the Place
 
Trainer G. Richardson undertook to report back to Stewards on the mare’s condition in the coming days. Mr Richardson advised that consideration would now be given to the mare’s racing future, including likely retirement. Notwithstanding this advice, Mr Richardson was advised the mare would require a veterinary clearance would be required prior to trialling to Stewards’ satisfaction prior to racing again.
 
WHITE CHOCOLATE – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
LIPSTICK LIES – Obliged to momentarily steady and shift outwards from the heels of ARTIE’S DESTINY approaching the 800m.
 
 
Race 3: HALL CHADWICK BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP (1000m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards to view footage of the start regarding SALAZAR being extremely slow to begin. Once satisfied that the gelding’s poor start was directly attributable to its racing manners, correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
THE GENERAL (NZ) – Began awkwardly resulting in its rider becoming momentarily unbalanced. Raced wide and without cover throughout the event.
 
LITTLE TOWN BLUES – Bumped with MISS HOFF shortly after the start, before again approaching the 600m. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Jockey B. Newport stated the gelding was not suited by the heavy weight impost it was required to carry throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
MISS HOFF – Bumped with LITTLE TOWN BLUES shortly after the start, before again approaching the 600m.
 
SALAZAR – Very slow to begin and lost considerable ground. Considering the circumstances, Trainer C. Rogers was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record.
 
BAG OF WHITT – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight, making contact with the running rail leaving the 100m for several strides, resulting in its rider having to correct their mount.
 
MISTA OMEGA – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
JOEY JAWS (NZ) – When no other senior was available at the weight, Stewards permitted Apprentice T. Leslight to be declared the replacement rider when Jockey A. Bakos-Schrapel was indisposed.
 
 
Race 4: WILD DESERT QTIS MAIDEN PLATE (1200m)
 
GUTHO – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination having not started in an extended period and passed fit to start. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
ROGUE ARTIST – Began only fairly before being hampered between runners and lost ground. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
THE UPRISING – Laid in rounding the home-turn.
 
MOFF FIGHTER – Raced in restricted room to the inside of THE UPRISING rounding the home-turn.
 
ONOMATOPOEIA – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
FITZROY PLAIN – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
SILVANNA’S SONG – Raced wide and without cover before being allowed to stride forward and obtain the lead approaching the 900m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ARTOPIA – Declared a late scratching at 2:55pm when no suitable rider was available.
 
Following the running of Race 4, riders expressed concerns to the Stewards regarding both the visibility and the deterioration of the racing surface, which due to the ongoing rainfall, was commencing to cause the development of surface water despite the club’s ongoing efforts of remedial work being conducted between races. Following a ballot by all riders, and discussions with both the Roma Turf Club and Roma Picnic Club presidents, that no remedial work would be able to rectify these issues to an appropriate standard, and also taking into consideration all matters raised between parties, the increasing rainfall and previous delays already experienced, Stewards abandoned the remaining two races scheduled for the program.
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Race day injuries/illness
Race 1 – Apprentice A. Graham – general soreness
Race 1 – Apprentice L. O’Donnell – back and pelvis fractures and 12-day concussion stand-down policy – medical clearance and cognitive assessment required
Race 2 – Jockey A. Bakos-Schrapel – tibia fracture – medical clearance required
 
Absent jockeys
Jockey B. Richardson – unavailable
 
Adjourned inquiries          
General – Presence of Apprentice L. O’Donnell’s mobile phone in female jockey room
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 – ZA HIDDEN DRAGON – Warning – Reared on Jumping
Race 1 – GAZZMAN – Suspension – Pre-race manners
Race 1 – LIMITED REALITY – Warning – Pre-race manners
Race 2 – RISING SPIRIT – Suspension and Veterinary Clearance – Fractious in the barriers
Race 2 – LAYLAH’S WISH – Veterinary Clearance - Lame near-foreleg
Race 3 – SALAZAR – Warning – Slow to Begin
 
Bleeders
Race 1 – I AM THOR – First Occasion – AR79(4)
 
Falls
Race 1 – Apprentice L. O’Donnell – mounting yard
Race 1 – Apprentice A. Graham – mounting yard
Race 2 – Jockey A. Bakos-Schrapel – barrier incident
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: ZA HIDDEN DRAGON – S. Apthorpe
Race 3: JOEY JAWS (NZ) – Apprentice T. Leslight
Race 5: TRANSELTIC – Apprentice C. Lowe
Race 5: LIP SIP SUCK – J. Rudd
Race 6: CRAIG AND HOFF – J. Rudd
 
Late scratchings
Race 1 – LIMITED REALITY & GAZZMAN – Pre-race manners
Race 2 – RISING SPIRIT – Fractious in the barriers
Race 4 – ARTOPIA – No available rider
 
 
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.