QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

ROMA TURF CLUB

ROMA – SATURDAY, 24 AUGUST 2024

WEATHER – FINE TRACK RATING – SAND RAIL – TRUE

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – E. Tickner
Stewards – W. Glass

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT

Gatton – Tuesday 20 August 2024 - Harness Racing on Grass at Gatton 25TH Aug - Free entry BM58 Handicap (1400 METRES)

UNIQUE ELLE – Trainer S. Field pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of LR36(6) in that he failed to scratch the mare from its dual engagement by the prescribed time. Mr Field was subsequently fined the sum of $100.

GENERAL

Apprentice B. Moffat was permitted to claim 0.5kg of his 1kg allowance in Races 2 and 6 when no other suitable apprentice was available. Apprentice B. Moffat was subsequently fined $200 under the provisions of AR143(14)(a)).

Race 1: ICM CONSTRUCTION QTIS MAIDEN PLATE (1000m)

ABSOLVE – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Rider B. Newport advised the gelding may not have handled racing on a sand surface for the first occasion.

COMANGO – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

FLYING TO MARS – Began awkwardly.

ROGUE ARTIST – Slow to begin.

TEQUILA STEALER – Late scratching at 12:31 pm after being fractious in the barriers and becoming cast. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered all monies invested on the gelding be refunded with the following deductions applicable to all successful wagers placed prior to 12:31pm:

6 cents for the win
7 cents for the place

Underwent a veterinary examination which revealed the gelding to have blood in both nostrils directly attributed to external trauma. Trainer’s representative T. Johnstone was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding trialling to Stewards’ satisfaction prior to racing again.

HEROIC DESIRE – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice Z. Hunt advised that the mare failed to handle the track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have aggravated an old laceration to its off-foreleg.


Race 2: ROMA SANDS CLASS B HANDICAP (1000m)

STROMA ASTER – Shifted out and pressure passing the winning post when not fully clear of ISLE OF BOOTY, bumped that runner and became unbalanced. Apprentice C. Lowe was reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) for careless riding.

IMPOUNDED – Rider M. Butler was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR185 in that he did weigh out without a surcingle and girth which necessitated him having to reweigh. In assessing the matter, Stewards noted it had been a genuine oversight of Rider Butler, noting the 63.5kg allotted to the gelding, and that he had included a lead-bag as part of his gear.

TERAMBI – Began awkwardly resulting in Apprentice C. Stuart becoming unbalanced. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Shifted in leaving the 300m of TORRENTIAL which was obliged to ease and shift wider. Apprentice Stuart was advised to exercise greater care. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

JOHHNY UTAH – Laid out under pressure rounding the home-turn and in the early part of the home straight.

JOVIAL KID – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

EDWARDS – Began awkwardly. When asked to comment on the performance of the gelding, Apprentice S. Zoljan stated that the fast tempo established throughout the race proved detrimental to the gelding’s finishing efforts.

TORRENTIAL – Raced keenly in the early stages. Obliged to ease and shift wider leaving the 300m when TERAMBI shifted in.

LEGISLATE – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly for some distance leaving the 900m. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

ISLE OF BOOTY – Raced keenly on heels for some distance leaving the 800m. Bumped passing the winning post and eased when STROMA ASTER shifted out.

THE WHITE MOUSE – Began awkwardly resulting in Apprentice J. Metcalfe losing the use of her irons, placing her at a disadvantage. As a consequence, took no competitive part throughout the event.

DOUBLE COCO – Crowded on jumping and lost ground.


Race 3: SUMMIT EARTH BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (1000m)

RUSHEEN – Shifted in abruptly near the 100m when Apprentice B. Moffat momentarily lost the use of his near-side rein.

JOEY JAWS (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

SON OF BEEBEE – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

SECRETLY BETTER – Began awkwardly.

ABLETT – Raced keenly in the early stages.

SEEBURG – When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice Z. Hunt stated that the fast tempo set throughout the event proved detrimental to the gelding’s finishing efforts. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

MISTREY EMPEROR – Hampered between runners on jumping.

FLY LIKE HELEN – When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice C. Lowe stated that her saddle slipped upon jumping, placing her at a disadvantage throughout the event. She further added that the mare was not suited by the fast tempo set throughout the early and middle stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.


Race 4: SHARPE ENGINEERING BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP (1200m)

TRANSCELTIC – Began awkwardly. Raced in restricted room rounding the home-turn and in the early part of the home straight. Obliged to be shifted off heels approaching the 100m to obtain clear running.

MAN IN THE MIRROR – Began awkwardly resulting in Apprentice C. Stuart becoming unbalanced. Apprentice C. Stuart advised that the gelding may not have handled the track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

GIDGET – Began awkwardly.

NOTQUITELIKEJACK – Raced keenly in the early stages. Leaving the 900m, shifted in placing SILVANNA’S SONG in restricted room between that runner and SEPARATIST, which was simultaneously hanging-out, bumping that runner, resulting in SILVANNA’S SONG becoming unbalanced. Apprentice L. O’Donnell was reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) for careless riding. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

SEPARATIST – Commenced to hang-out leaving the 900m, carrying SILVANNA’S SONG wider before bumping with that runner. Leaving the 600m, steadied when SILVANNA’S SONG shifted in. Trainer R. Hay was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record for its racing manners.

SILVANNA’S SONG – Began awkwardly and bumped. Raced keenly when crowded between runners near the 1100m. Leaving the 900m, raced in restricted room between NOTQUITELIKEJACK which shifted in, and SEPARATIST which was simultaneously hanging-out, bumped and became unbalanced for several strides. Leaving the 600m, shifted in when not fully clear of SEPARATIST which was obliged to steady. Apprentice C. Lowe was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) for careless riding. In assessing the matter, Stewards noted Apprentice Lowe’s excellent record in relation to the rule and her inexperience.

SOMBOR SHUFFLE – Late scratching on Stewards’ orders at 2:10pm after becoming fractious in the mounting yard and rearing over. 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 2:10pm:

3 cents for the win
3 cents for the place

Trainer W. Baker was advised that due to the mare’s pre-race manners, it would now be required to trial to Stewards’ satisfaction prior to racing again. Mr Baker advised that the mare would most likely now be leaving his stable, and indicated that consideration would be given to its immediate racing future, adding it would most likely be retired.


Race 5: CRAWFO’S TYRES OPEN HANDICAP (1200m)

PARKO – Blundered on jumping. Shifted in when not fully clear of OAKFIELD TARGET leaving the 1100m which was obliged to ease. Apprentice C. Stuart was advised to exercise greater care. Commenced to give ground leaving the 300m. When asked to comment on the performance, Trainer W. Baker stated that the gelding was not suited by the heavy weight impost. Apprentice C. Stuart advised in his opinion, that having to make some use of his mount in the early stages to obtain a leading position had proved detrimental to its finishing efforts. A post-race veterinary examination revealed mild foot soreness in the off-foreleg.

JACK BE LUCKY – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

VILLADEN (NZ) – Raced in restricted room for some distance leaving the 1100m.

LAURIE – Obliged to shift off the heels of HANOVER SQUARE leaving the 100m to obtain clear running.

HANOVER SQUARE – Raced wide and without cover leaving the 800m.

HARLEQUIN FIELD – Apprentice M. Mankelow and Trainer P. Richardson were severely reprimanded under AR106 for presenting the gelding with the incorrect saddlecloth. Blundered badly on jumping before being hampered between runners and lost ground, and subsequently settled further back than may have been expected. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.

MOORABINDA MICK – Began awkwardly.

OAKFIELD TARGET – Raced keenly on heels for some distance leaving the 1100m when PARKO shifted in.


Race 6: OMNI BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (1640m)

Correct weight was delayed allowing Trainer P. Edwards and Apprentice M. Mankelow (OUR SPIDER) to view footage of the start. Upon viewing, it was established that just prior to the start being effected, the gelding turned its head over the near-side barrier partition, and subsequently lost considerable ground. When Trainer P. Edwards declined to proceed with an application to be declared a non-runner, correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.

YANGARI – Slow to begin.

GREEK STAR – Late scratching at 11:30am on veterinary advice after Trainer W. Puglsey advised Stewards that following transport to the track, the gelding had developed significant swelling to its neck and chest area. A subsequent veterinary examination revealed cellulitis in that area and the gelding to be displaying considerable lethargy which required ongoing veterinary treatment throughout the duration of the race-meeting. Mr Pugsley was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again. Stewards intend to follow up on the condition of the gelding and subsequent blood samples taken in the coming days.

PACKAGE – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages.

SKYLON – Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

LASCO – Slow to begin. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

OUR SPIDER – Had its head turned over the near-side barrier partition just prior to the start being effected and lost considerable ground. Raced wide and without cover leaving the 900m.

COLHOUN – Rider B. Newport reported that the gelding may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

PHEEBLE’S SPIRIT – Raced wide and without cover leaving the 800m.

MADAM ROCK – Began awkwardly.

MY DAY – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

FORGED IN STONE – Change of tactics; to settled further forward if circumstances permitted. Settled on-pace.


Race 7: WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT OPEN HANDICAP (1640m)

MAURICE’S MEDAD – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly on heels for some distance passing the 1100m. When asked to comment on the performance, Rider B. Newport advised that the gelding is suited to events when able to lead and dictate, which it was unable to do on this occasion. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying mild foot soreness in the near-foreleg.

WAITAKERE – Proved reluctant to leave the mounting yard, reared and made heavy contact with the outside fence. Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and deemed unsuitable to start and subsequently declared a late scratching at 4:08pm. 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 4:08pm:

13 cents for the win
16 cents for the place

Trainer P. Edwards was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record for its pre-race manners.

STAY SAFE – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

KAZZA’S JET – Shifted in under pressure in the home straight and bumped the running rail approaching the 50m.




STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2 – Apprentice C. Lowe – Careless Riding – AR131(a) – Reprimand
Race 2 – Rider M. Butler – Weighed out without a Girth – AR185 – Severe Reprimand
Race 4 – Apprentice C. Lowe – Careless Riding – AR131(a) – Severe Reprimand
Race 4 – Apprentice L. O’Donnell – Careless Riding – AR131(a) – Reprimand
Race 5 – Apprentice M. Mankelow – Provided incorrect saddlecloth – AR106 – Severe Reprimand
Race 5 – Trainer P. Richardson – Saddled with incorrect saddlecloth – AR106 – Severe Reprimand

Fines
General – S. Field – Failure to scratch by prescribed time – LR36(6) - $100
Race 2 & 6 – B. Moffat – Failure to claim full allowance – AR143(14)(a) - $200

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1 – TEQUILA STEALER – Suspension and Veterinary Clearance – Fractious in the barriers
Race 4 – SEPARATIST – Warning – Hung-out
Race 4 – SOMBOR SHUFFLE – Suspension – Pre-race Behaviour
Race 6 – GREEK STAR – Veterinary Clearance – Late Scratching – Clinical Signs of Cellulitis
Race 7 – WAITAKERE – Warning – Pre-race Behaviour
Race 7 – MAURICE’S MEDAD – Veterinary Clearance – Lame near-foreleg

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 2: 8 LEGISLATE - Jacob Golden
Race 3: 3 SON OF BEEBEE - Caine Stuart (a4/52.5kg),
4 SECRETLY BETTER - Samantha Zoljan (a3/56kg),

Late scratchings
Race 1 – TEQUILA STEALER – 12:31pm
Race 4 – SOMBOR SHUFFLE – 2:10pm
Race 6 – GREEK STAR – 11:30am
Race 7 – WAITAKERE – 4:08pm



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.