QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB, THURSDAY, 23 APRIL 2020
 
WEATHER –  OVERCAST          TRACK RATING – GOOD 4         RAIL – +3M 1000M-WP, TRUE REMAINDER    PENETROMETER – 4.2          

OFFICIALS
Stewards – P Lane, C Warren, P Warren, S Hartford, D Lane
Clerk of Scales – T Shaxson
Judge – J Carter, M Bates
Veterinarian – Dr. D Viero
Swab attendants – A Lee
Starter – J Cullen
 
General
 
During a stable inspection conducted on Wednesday, 15 April, 2020 Stewards became aware that a number of horses trained by Mr. Michael Jokic were stabled at an address other than his registered stable address. Mr. Jokic pleaded guilty to a charge under AR101(i) and was subsequently fined $400. In determining penalty, Stewards placed heavy emphasis on the current restrictions on the movement of racehorses within zones and the impact that any contravention of these protocols could have on the industry.
 
During a stable inspection conducted on Wednesday, 15 April, 2020 Stewards became aware that a number of horses trained by Ms. Chelsea Jokic were stabled at an address other than her registered stable address. Ms. Jokic pleaded guilty to a charge under AR101(i) and was subsequently fined $400. In determining penalty, Stewards placed heavy emphasis on the current restrictions on the movement of racehorses within zones and the impact that any contravention of these protocols could have on the industry.
 
From Cairns Jockey Club, Thursday 16 April, 2020 – Race 6
 
Jockey G. Watson was fined the sum of $300 for excessive use of his whip on Elite Label prior to the 100m.
 
Race 1: AE Smith Maiden H’cap – 1300m
 
SHE BEATS THE BEST - Declared a late scratching on Veterinary advice at 8.35am after becoming fractious in transit. Trainer Mr. P Rowe was advised a Veterinary clearance would be required prior to next race start.
 
SMOKIN’ TOMMY – Bumped with another runner on jumping.
 
QUEZMAR – Bumped with another runner on jumping.
 
MISTA LONGHORN – Disappointed when attempting to secure clear running at the home turn, having to be restrained around heels.
 
D’MAIN TRAIN – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
WINDOW SEAT - Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
ME AND MY DRUM - Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
ALPHA BLUE -  Jockey P Romeo reported that the gelding had raced greenly throughout. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
Race 2: Holcim Australia QTIS 3yo Maiden H’cap – 1000m
 
POTENT POWER – Underwent a Veterinary inspection after becoming fractious in the barrier and was cleared to start. Slowly away, blundering soon after jumping. Raced wide for the majority of the race. App. E Cass advised her mount raced greenly.
 
FAMILY STAR – Fractious in the barriers.
 
TIDES OF TOKYO – Began awkwardly. Disappointed for clear running in the early part of the home straight. Jockey P Cullen was found guilty of careless riding under AR131(a) in that near the 700m he permitted TIDES OF TOKYO to shift in when insufficiently clear of BEAT IT (S Wilson) resulting in that runner having to be checked, losing its rightful running. Jockey Cullen’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 10 days to commence at midnight Thursday 23 April, 2020 up to and including Sunday 3 May, 2020. In determining penalty Stewards took into account the degree of interference which they considered to be in the low range as well as Jockey Cullen’s record in relation to the rule.
 
FIFTYSHADESFASTER – Slowly away.
 
ALL BAR SURAH – Slowly into stride. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
VULPES – Began awkwardly. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
DE CARLO – Slowly away after beginning awkwardly. Inconvenienced by another runner soon after jumping.  Shifted out marginally near the 750m, bumping another runner. Raced greenly in the home straight.
 
THE WONDAI WASP – Shifted in soon after the start, inconveniencing a runner to its inside.
 
BEAT IT – Slowly away.  Bumped by another runner near the 750m. Checked shortly after when a runner to its outside shifted in when not sufficiently clear to do so. Raced wide rounding the home turn.
 
STOLEN DIAMONDS – Inconvenienced by another runner soon after the start.
 
TABATHA MISS – Shifted in abruptly shortly after the start, inconveniencing another runner. Jockey K. Swaffer, rider of TABATHA MISS, was reprimanded for careless riding under AR131(a).
 
MISS ELLEY – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
Race 3: Hygain Ratings Band 0-58 H’cap – 1000m
 
SYAMANTAKA MANI – Fractious in the barrier.
 
TRAVERS - Shifted in on jumping. Severely checked near the 700m when a runner to its outside shifted in when insufficiently clear to do so. Restrained off heels near the 400m.
 
SUJANI – Shifted out on jumping. App. E Cass pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) in that she permitted her mount to shift in near the 300m and again near the 150m when insufficiently clear of BLAZON TALES (M Gray) which had to be restrained on both occasions. App. Cass’ licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 days to commence at midnight Thursday 30 April, 2020 up to and including Friday 8 May, 2020. In determining penalty Stewards took into account the degree of interference which they considered to be in the low range as well as App. Cass’ guilty plea and her record in relation to the rule.
 
ALLEVIATOR – Tightened between runners on jumping. Held up for clear running on a number of occasions in the home straight and unable to be fully tested. Further inconvenienced when placed in restricted room between runners approaching the winning post.
 
BLAZON TALES – Slowly away after beginning awkwardly. Had to be restrained near the 300m and again near the 150m when a runner to its outside shifted in when insufficiently clear to do so.
 
THE GROVE – Slowly into stride. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
KISS ME LATER – Raced wide for the majority of the race. Was buffeted between runners when racing in restricted room near the 150m. Shifted in approaching the winning post when in search of clear running.
 
HORORA VEL – Shifted in under pressure near the 150m. Soon after shifted out placing a runner to its outside in restricted room.
 
EVIL EYE MAC – Raced wide for the majority of the race. 
 
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, jockey W. D’Avila, rider of 7th placed TRAVERS, advised stewards he wished to view the race footage in relation to an incident which occurred near the 700m. After viewing the film jockey D’Avila elected to lodge a protest against 4th placed KISS THE BOSS (P Cullen), on the grounds of alleged interference near the 700m.  After hearing submissions from both riders and viewing patrol footage stewards were of the opinion that  KISS THE BOSS had shifted in onto the running of TRAVERS at that point causing that gelding to lose in excess of the neck margin that separated the 2 runners at the finish of the race. Consequently Stewards upheld the protest declaring correct weight on the new Judge’s numbers:   5 – 3 – 12 – 2.  At a subsequent inquiry Jockey P. Cullen was found guilty of careless riding in that near the 700m he permitted KISS THE BOSS to shift in when insufficiently clear of TRAVERS (W D’Avila) resulting in that runner having to be severely checked, losing its rightful running. Jockey Cullen’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 17 days to commence on Friday 24 April, 2020 up to and including Sunday 10 May, 2020 to be served concurrently with a suspension incurred in Race 2. In determining penalty Stewards took into account the degree of interference which they considered to be in the high range as well as Jockey Cullen’s record in relation to the rule.
 
Stewards intend to inquire, at a date and time to be fixed, into an incident which occurred near the 150m resulting in CHEERS JOYCE (B. Thomson) having to be checked and losing ground.
 
Race 4: Anzac Day “Lest We Forget” Open H’cap – 1200m
 
AIRACOBRA – After being ridden out of the barriers obtained the lead passing the 1100m then commenced to overrace when challenged for the lead in the middle stages. Tired over the concluding stages.
 
BEST HOFFA – Fractious in the barrier. Slowly away. Bumped with another runner near the 200m.
 
FUNKY MUSIC – Slowly into stride. Shifted out soon after jumping placing a runner to its outside in restricted room.
 
IMANUI – Slowly into stride. Shifted wider passing the 800m in an attempt to improve and raced wide from that point. Trainer Mr. J Caught advised that in his opinion the gelding was not suited by the tempo of today’s race. He was also of the opinion that IMANUI had not come back as well this preparation and the intention is give it a brief ease up prior to resuming racing.
 
MISTA BUSY – Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Was inconvenienced near the 200m. When questioned in relation to the improved performance of the gelding, Trainer Mr. L Wanless advised that he had implemented a number of gear changes since the gelding’s last start in an attempt to get it to race more generously and it had been pleased him in its work since then. He was also of the opinion that the engagement of a strong senior rider for today’s race had proven beneficial.
 
DESERT COWBOY – Overraced in the middle stages. Shifted out marginally soon after straightening placing a runner to its outside in restricted room.
 
BACHELOR’S ART – Restrained off heels near the 800m. Shifted in marginally soon after straightening placing a runner to its inside in restricted room.
 
LADY SKILLS – Shifted out under pressure near the 200m inconveniencing another runner.
 
LITTLE STYKER – Was inconvenienced when racing tight between runners soon after straightening. Raced wide for the majority.
 
Race 5: Bulk Fuels Australia Benchmark 65 H’cap – 1300m
 
MAGIC SEARCH – Inconvenienced on jumping. Overraced in the early and middle stages. When racing ungenerously near the 1000m shifted in causing tightening to runners inside. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
ARNHEM BEAUTY – Had to be restrained off the heels of another runner which was racing ungenerously near the 1100m.
 
MISTER MAYBE – Commenced to overrace near the 1100m, having to be restrained. Was hampered near the 1000m after another runner which was racing ungenerously shifted in.
 
PURRHAPS – Was hampered near the 1000m after another runner which was racing ungenerously shifted in.
 
MISS CELITA – Raced tight between runners on straightening becoming unbalanced for a few strides. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
INTENSE FOCUS – Jumped outwards at the start, inconveniencing runners to its outside. Was hampered near the 1000m after another runner which was racing ungenerously shifted in.
 
MONKEY MAGIC – Slowly into stride after being inconvenienced on jumping. Restrained in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the inside rail.
 
KITTEAU – Trainer M Jokic was fined $100 for failure to produce horse ID card. Slowly away. Restrained in the early stages o to obtain a position closer to the inside rail.
 
Race 6: Pause To Remember Benchmark 65 H’cap – 1609m
 
GOOD CATCH – Overraced in the early and middle stages. Shifted out across heels near the 500m in an attempt to obtain clear running.
 
BOCHY – Shifted out near the 1000m, taking another runner wider. Raced wide from that point.
 
CENTRO SUPERIO – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
EMSHALKY – Bumped another runner on jumping. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
SAVVY HUSSLER - Bumped another runner on jumping. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
BARWON – Taken wider near the 1000m by another runner which shifted outwards.
 
Race 7: Landscaping And Irrigation Specialists Class 6 Plate - 1000m
 
DREAM I CAN – Near the 700m was bumped by another runner, becoming unbalanced and shifting in, tightening a runner to its inside.  Laid out rounding the home turn, placing another runner in restricted room.
 
DALON – Bumped by another runner near the 700m. Buffeted between runners rounding the home turn. Raced wide without cover for the majority of the race. When questioned in relation to the performance, Trainer’s representative Mr. I Coleman advised that a more forward showing first-up was expected, but was also of the opinion having to race wide with the heavy impost had been a telling factor.
 
MISS FLAWLESS – Steadied for a few strides when racing tight to the inside of runners near the 700m.
 
MASKING – Buffeted between runners soon after jumping. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
MERCURY BULLET – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
OUR ALICIA’S LANE – When questioned in relation to today’s performance, trainer B. Williams advised that the gelding had not been suited by the heavy conditions at its last start in Cairns, and the 4 kilogram allowance App. K Swaffer in today’s race had been beneficial.
 
Race 8: TAB Ratings Band 0-55 H’cap – 1400m
 
FRENCH JET – Declared a late scratching on Veterinary advice at 8.35am after becoming fractious in transit. Trainer P Rowe was advised a Veterinary clearance would be required prior to next race start.
 
DISTRACTED – Slowly away.
 
SPACEX – Underwent a Veterinary examination on arrival at the barriers and was cleared to start after Jockey W D’Avila expressed concern with the gelding’s action. Slowly away. Raced wide for the majority of the race. A 2nd veterinary examination conducted post-race revealed no abnormalities. Nonetheless Stewards advised Trainer S D’Avila, that the gelding, which she stated has always displayed an unusual action in front, would require a Veterinary clearance including satisfactory radiography results prior to next race start.
 
SHUNTER – Raced ungenerously in the early stages.
 
AS YAWOOD – Shifted out soon after the start. Shifted out near the 350m in an attempt to obtain clear running bumping with another runner. Unable to obtain clear running until the 200m. Bumped on several occasions with another runner approaching the winning post. Jockey G. Watson, rider of AS YAWOOD, was reprimanded for careless riding under AR131(a).
 
MOSEF – Inconvenienced near the 1000m when crossed by another runner which was not fully clear.
 
THIS GIRLS ON FIRE – Shifted in near the 1000m when not fully clear of another runner. Jockey B. Thomson, rider of THIS GIRLS ON FIRE, was reprimanded for careless riding under AR131(a).   
 
WRITTEN IMAGE – Bumped on several occasions when racing tight with another runner approaching the winning post.
 
AGILITY – Inconvenienced when bumped and became unbalanced near the 350m.
 
ARITOMO – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
MASTER AGAR - Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Suspensions
Race 2.         P Cullen -  Jockey – C/riding – 10 days M/N 23/04/20 to M/N 03/05/20  AR131(a)
                     E Cass -  App Jockey – C/riding – 8 days M/N 30/04/20 to M/N 8/05/20  AR131(a)
Race 3          P Cullen – Jockey – C/Riding – 17 days M/N 23/04/20 to M/N 10/05/20 AR131(a)
 
Reprimands
Race 2.         K Swaffer – A/jockey – C/riding -  AR131(a)
Race 8.         G Watson – Jockey – C/riding – AR131(a)
                     P Romeo – Jockey – C/riding – AR131(a)
                     B Thomson – Jockey – C/riding – AR131(a)

Fines
From Cairns Jockey Club -  16.4.20
Race 6.         G Watson – Jockey – Excessive use of whip - $300 – AR132(7)(a)(ii)
 
From stable inspection of  M Jokic, 16.4.20  – Trainer – Stabled horses not at his
stable address - $400 – AR101(i)
 
From stable inspection of Ms. C Jokic, 16.4.20 – Trainer – Stabled horses not at her stable
address - $400 – AR101(i)
 
Race 5.         M Jokic – Trainer – Fail to produce horse ID card - $100 – AR65
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
Race 1.         MISTA LONGHORN
Race 4.         MISTA BUSY
Race 5.         MISTA MAYBE
Race 6.         DON’T CHEAT CHARLIE
                    AHMAH STAR
Race 7.         MISS FLAWLESS
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Bars
Race 1.         SHE BEATS THE BEST – Late scratching. Vet clearance prior to next start.
Race 8.         FRENCH JET - Late scratching. Vet clearance prior to next start.
Race 8.         SPACEX – Vet clearance including radiography results prior to next start.

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Nil.
 
Late scratchings
Race 1.         SHE BEATS THE BEST – Veterinary advice at 8.35am.
Race 8.         FRENCH JET - Veterinary advice at 8.35am.
 
 
Published subject to correction upon revision