QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
SUNSHINE COAST TURF CLUB
 
SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2024
 
WEATHER – Overcast
TRACK RATING – Heavy 8; Heavy 9 (Prior to Race 1)
RAIL – +2m Entire Course
PENETROMETER – 7.32
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – G. Goold
Stewards – P. Zimmermann, R. Hanson; J. Mitchell (Asst. Steward); L. De Witt – Rowson (Cadet)
 
GENERAL
 
Following rainfall after scratching time, the track was downgraded to a Heavy 9 at 12:44pm. Stewards also directed a minor movement of the rail at the 500m to avoid a worn section of the track. On completion, Stewards in consultation with a delegation of senior riders were satisfied to proceed.
 
Race 3: WHISKEY AND BEER was declared a late scratching at 3:01pm on veterinary advice after twisting a plate and standing on the toe clip. Co-Trainer S. Laxon was advised the gelding would require veterinary clearance prior to resuming.
 
Race 4: READY TO TORQUE was declared a late scratching at 2:50pm due to the track downgrade.
 
Race 1: MALENY HOTEL QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP   1200 M
 
ALPINE RAIDER – Began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped heavily with MISHY.
 
HARLEY CHARLIE – Shifted out shortly after the start and bumped MISHY. Checked leaving the 700m.
 
VELVALEE – Became awkward in its action leaving the 800m and was retired from the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to have sustained a possible upper hind leg injury. VELVALEE was subsequently transported to the nearby equine hospital for further care and assessment. Stewards will follow up with the stable in the subsequent days regarding the condition of the filly.
 
MISHY – Bumped heavily at the start and lost ground. Raced in restricted room approaching the 900m. Checked leaving the 700m.
 
Following the running of this event, Stewards consulted all riders who rode in Race 1 and riders engaged in Race 2, the riding group were satisfied to proceed with the next event. Stewards inspected a section of the track leaving the back straight and were satisfied to proceed with the next race.  
 
Race 2: ALL FENCING SUNSHINE COAST CLASS 4 HANDICAP      1800 M
 
The start of this race was slightly delayed owing to VELVALEE being transported off-course, as well as TRIPLE MONEY (NZ) undergoing a veterinary examination behind the barriers after contacting a section of the rail leaving the enclosure.
 
SOUTHERN STOCK (NZ) – Slow to begin. Elected to leave a rearward trailing position passing the 1000m to allow his mount to stride forward and reach the lead approaching the 800m.
 
TRIPLE MONEY (NZ) – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after contacting a section of the rail leaving the enclosure and was subsequently cleared to start. Slow to begin.
 
CAVE DIVER (GB) – Bumped and forced wider leaving the 700m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
Following the running of Race 2, Stewards consulted with the riding group after concerns were raised with a section of the track between the 700m and 400m. After deliberations between Stewards and the riding group as well as referring to the Racing Queensland / Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Thoroughbred Postponement or Abandonment policy, the remainder of the meeting was called off at 3:30pm.
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses sampled pre-race
Race 1: EXCEEDAQA
Race 2: SOUTHERN STOCK (NZ), TRIPLE MONEY (NZ)
 
Horses sampled post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 3: 4 WHISKEY AND BEER – veterinary clearance required.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 3: 4 WHISKEY AND BEER – M. Hellyer
Race 3: 17e PRIDE AN’ JOY – M. Castle (a1.5/50kg)
Race 5: 6 DAINTREE DREAMING – R. Dolan
Race 5: 18e CALICO COUNTY – S. Collett
Race 6: 7 PIECE OF TURF – R. Maloney
Race 7: 19e MY SPIRIT – S. Collett
Race 7: 23e QUEEN OF DARK – S. Cormack
Race 8: 10 PALATIAL PRINCE – J. Bayliss
 
Late scratchings
Race 3: 4 WHISKEY AND BEER (Vets @ 3:01pm)
Race 5: 13 READY TO TORQUE (Track downgrade @ 2:50pm)
 
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.