QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
ROMA TURF CLUB
 
ROMA – SATURDAY, 3RD AUGUST 2024
 
WEATHER – FINE TRACK RATING –  SAND             RAIL – TRUE
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E. Tickner
Stewards – F. Hartford
 
GENERAL
 
When no rider was available, Stewards permitted the following late scratching at 10:53am
Race 1, No. 9 INHISTIME
 
Stewards permitted the following overweights when no other rider was subsequently available at or near the weight:
Race 1, No. 5 OLD TOWN ROAD – Jockey C. Rogers (+1kg) – 58.5kg
Race 7, No. 2 RANGI TOA (NZ) – Jockey C. Rogers (+1kg) – 58kg
 
Trainer W. Baker was questioned in relation to SAINT MARTIN remaining an acceptor at both Roma and Tambo following the prescribed time. Mr Baker advised that it had been the stable’s preference to fulfill the gelding’s engagement at Tambo, however due to the limited number of riders, he had subsequently elected to start the gelding at Roma where a rider had been declared. He further advised he was of the belief that Stewards at the Tambo meeting had scratched the gelding due to no available rider, and subsequently had not done so. Stewards accepted the explanation of Mr Baker, however advised him where possible, to ensure that his runners are withdrawn from their dual engagements by the prescribed time.
 
Race 1: TILLETT CONTRACTING RATINGS BAND 0-55 HANDICAP (1000m)
 
OLY BOOM – Began awkwardly before failing to muster sufficient speed to maintain contact with the remainder of the field. Apprentice I. Jessop stated the gelding failed to travel comfortably throughout the event. Trainer W. Baker stated that consideration would now be given to the gelding’s immediate racing future, indicating it would now most likely be leaving the stable. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Trainer W. Baker was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record for the poor performance.
 
SEEBURG – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
SAVVY SONG – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover until obtaining a position in the lead near the 600m. Trainer C. Storch was reprimanded under AR165(3) for the gelding leaving the course prior to the prescribed time. In assessing the matter, Stewards noted that a post-race sample following the winning performance had already been obtained from the gelding prior to leaving the course, and that Mr Storch had taken the horse off course to access wash-bays in the stable complex.
 
INVADING JILLY – When questioned regarding the performance, Apprentice C. Lowe stated in her opinion, the mare failed to handle the track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
RAVERA (NZ) – Began awkwardly and bumped OLD TOWN ROAD. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
OLD TOWN ROAD – Bumped on jumping.
 
INHISTIME – Declared a late scratching at 10:53am when no rider was available.
 
 
Race 2: ENZED CLASS B HANDICAP (1000m)
 
JOHHNY UTAH – Bumped on jumping when ARTOPIA shifted out. When questioned regarding the performance, Jockey B. Newport reported that the gelding may not have appreciated the heavy weight impost it had been allotted.
 
JOVIAL KID – Began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly before being corrected by its rider.
 
SEPARATIST – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ARTOPIA – Began awkwardly and bumped. Commenced to give ground approaching the 200m. When questioned regarding the performance, Trainer C. Smith advised that in his opinion, the mare had performed below expectations in its previous two starts, and that he would now reconsider the immediate racing future of the mare. Apprentice S. Zoljan advised in her opinion, the mare may not have appreciated the track surface, and that it had performed best on grass tracks. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
ISLE OF BOOTY – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
SOMBOR SHUFFLE – Declared a late scratching at 1:31pm on Stewards’ orders when dislodging Apprentice I. Jessop enroute to the barriers and galloping a considerable distance riderless. Apprentice Jessop was subsequently examined by QAS officers and deemed fit to fulfill her remaining engagements. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered all monies invested on the mare be refunded with the following deductions applicable to all successful wagers placed prior to 1:31pm:

2 cents for the win
2 cents for the place
 
Trainer W. Baker was advised a warning would subsequently be placed on the mare’s record for its pre-race manners.
 
Following the running of this event, Stewards were advised of power supply issues in relation to the photo-finish. The remainder of the program was subsequently judged manually, and correct weight was subsequently not declared prior to Stewards being satisfied with the Judges’ placings being reviewed on the corresponding films.
 
 
Race 3:MANEY TRANSPORT BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP (900m)
 
KUDU – Blundered on jumping resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced.
 
LIMITED REALITY – Slow to begin. Approaching the 600m, obliged to ease when racing restricted room when TRANSCELTIC shifted in marginally. Commenced to give ground near the 300m. Jockey N. Fazackerley stated in his opinion, the gelding would be better suited over further distances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
SWISS BABE – Laid in near the 600m, marginally crowding runners to its inside. Laid in under pressure in the home straight proving difficult to ride out. Shifted in abruptly approaching the 100m and contacted the inside running rail.
 
TRANSCELTIC – Shifted in when not fully clear of LIMITED REALITY near the 600m, who was obliged to ease. Apprentice S. Zoljan was advised to exercise greater care.
 
ZA HIDDEN DRAGON – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Carried wider rounding the home-turn.
 
 
Race 4: SUFFCON MAIDEN PLATE (1200m)
 
ROGUE ARTIST – Slow to begin.
 
SQUAMISH – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Stewards questioned Apprentice I. Jessop, with assistance from Racing Queensland mentor S. Scriven, in relation to the tactics adopted on the gelding, and the level of vigour shown in the home straight. Apprentice Jessop advised that she been instructed to obtain a leading position on the gelding, as in the stable’s opinion, the gelding resented kick-back from the track surface, and therefore elected to allow her mount to improve its position leaving the 1100m, and race three-wide outside the leader. Apprentice Jessop advised she had been attempting to balance the gelding prior to entering the home straight, however concurred that she should have continued to hold her position rounding the home-turn. Apprentice Jessop  concurred with Stewards, that in hindsight, easing her mount to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders leaving the 1100m, would have provided her mount some relief from the fast tempo that was subsequently established in the middle stages. Apprentice Jessop was further advised that although to be mindful of instructions issued, to recognise where necessary to deviate from instructions for the benefits of her mounts chances. In taking no further action, Stewards noted Apprentice Jessop’s error of judgement could be attributed to her inexperience in race-riding, noting this was the third race-meeting she had attended.
 
CINTIA – Began awkwardly. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the mare, particularly leading in the event, Apprentice C. Lowe advised she had been advised to be positive from the favourable barrier to obtain a forward position. Stewards questioned Trainer J. Capewell in relation to the instructions issued, noting the filly had previously settled further back in its events. Mr Capewell advised that the mare, which was having its second start for the stable, was to be ridden positively in its previous start, however over the shorter distance, it had been unable to obtain a prominent position and subsequently settled further back than desired. He further added that the mare, which was up in distance, and the small field had been proved advantageous in obtaining the lead. Stewards noted the explanation.
 
CRYPTESS – Blundered on jumping and lost ground. Steadied soon after the start when SQUAMISH shifted out before being corrected by its rider.
 
LUMINOUS WATERS – When questioned regarding the performance, Apprentice J. Metcalfe advised in her opinion, the mare was better suited over shorter distances. She further added the fast early tempo established proved detrimental to the mare’s finishing efforts. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
 
Race 5: COOMBERS CONTRACTING QTIS CLASS 3 PLATE (1200m)
 
DEEP MILLIONS – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Commenced to give ground leaving the 300m. When questioned regarding the performance, Apprentice I. Jessop stated the gelding travelled well throughout the early and middle stages, however, became awkward in its action near the 400m, and therefore she elected to ease her mount down. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the off-foreleg. Stewards questioned Trainer W. Baker following a report from the Official Race-Day Veterinarian, that it had been reported to them, that the gelding had been exhibiting some signs of lameness in the proceeding weeks prior to racing. Mr Baker advised that the gelding had been exhibiting some signs of foot-soreness in the off-foreleg, which he had associated to a hoof issue that he had been providing ongoing treatment on. He further added, that the gelding had been accepted to race on several occasions in the proceeding weeks, and had subsequently been scratched due to this. Mr Baker advised that the condition had appeared to respond well to treatment and remedial farrier work, and the gelding was subsequently in his opinion, fit to return to racing. The matter was adjourned to allow Mr Baker to produce veterinary treatment records. Nonetheless, Mr Baker was advised that a veterinary clearance inclusive of X-Rays to the off-foreleg would be required prior to racing again.
 
DERBARI – Slow to begin. Trainer C. Rogers advised that consideration would be given to the gelding’s immediate racing future, indicating it would now most likely be sent for a spell.
 
BLERIOT – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Jockey N. Fazackerley reported that the gelding felt uncomfortable in its action throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
MAN IN THE MIRROR – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
NOTQUITELIKEJACK – Began awkwardly.
 
SCOTTISH FARMER – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight becoming awkwardly placed on heels near the 100m before being corrected by its rider.
 
SPEEDY GRACE – Began awkwardly.
 
 
Race 6:WILD DESERT OPEN PLATE (1200m)
 
HANOVER SQUARE – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Became awkwardly placed on the heels of UNRESTRICTED over the concluding stages.
 
MUIRON – Slow to begin.
 
OFFICE JIM – When questioned regarding the performance, Apprentice C. Lowe stated that after the gelding was unable to obtain the lead in its customary position, it failed to travel comfortably throughout the event. She further added that the gelding proved disappointing when placed under pressure. Trainer P. Webster expressed disappointment with the performance, and undertook to report back on the subsequent results of a veterinary examination in coming days. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
UNRESTRICTED – Shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages resulting in HANOVER SQUARE becoming awkwardly placed on heels. Apprentice I. Jessop was advised to exercise greater care.
 
 
Race 7: BARONGA CATTLE COMPANY OPEN HANDICAP (1640m)
 
BARCLAY’S BANK – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Improved onto the heels of COLHOUN leaving the 1200m and obliged to steady. When questioned regarding the performance, Apprentice J. Metcalfe advised in her opinion, the gelding may have come to the end of its preparation. Trainer G. Schrader advised that it had been the stable’s intention to race the gelding the previous week, and this may have proved detrimental to the performance due to the extended break between runs. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
RANGI TOA (NZ) – Began awkwardly.
 
SAINT MARTIN – Jockey N. Fazackerley was permitted to ride the gelding 2kg over the allotted weight of 56kg when no other suitable rider was available. Jockey Fazackerley was subsequently fined the sum of $300 under AR190(1) for accepting a ride when overweight. In assessing penalty, Stewards noted the race-day request to ride overweight, Jockey Fazackerley’s recent record in relation to the rule, and that Jockey Fazackerley had maintained the engagement on the gelding.
 
GIRRAMAY – Apprentice S. Zoljan advised in her opinion, the gelding may not have appreciated the softer track conditions.
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 1 – C. Storch – Removal of Horse from Course Prior to Prescribed Time – AR165(3) - Reprimand
 
Fines
Race 7 – N. Fazackerley – Overweight – AR190(1) - $300

 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses sampled post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 – OLY BOOM – Warning – Poor Performance
Race 2 – SOMBOR SHUFFLE – Warning – Pre-race behaviour
Race 4 – DEEP MILLIONS – Not To Race – Lame off-foreleg – Veterinary Clearance inclusive of X-Rays
 
Falls
Race 2 – Apprentice I. Jessop – Harmless fall enroute to barriers
 
Adjourned inquiries
Race 4 – DEEP MILLIONS – Veterinary Records
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1:           7 OLD TOWN ROAD - Ms Cheryl Rogers
Race 7:           2 RANGI TOA (NZ) - Ms Cheryl Rogers
 
Late scratchings
Race 1 – INHISTIME – No Rider – 10:53am
Race 2 – SOMBOR SHUFFLE – Dislodged Jockey – 1:31pm
 
 
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.