QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB
 
TOWNSVILLE – SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2023
 
WEATHER – Fine   TRACK RATING –  Good 4         RAIL – True
PENETROMETER – 5
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – D. Griffiths
Stewards – G. Goold (D. Chairman), K. Lemay-Robbins (Steward), S. Coulthard, J. Mcintosh (Assistant Stewards)
Clerk of Scales – G. Doherty
Judge – S. Nosworthy, M. Bates
Veterinarians – D. Viero, L. Groth
Swab Attendants – A. Lee
Starter – J. Cullen
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Race 10 – The following trainers G Holt (BOLD KINGSTON), L Hatch (CIRCULARITY), J Caught (HE”S XCEPTIONAL) and K Allender (INCHING CLOSER) were reprimanded for  contravening LR36(a)(1) by failing to scratch their runners from a feature race prior to 5pm on the day of acceptances.
The explanation of Trainer J Hasset (ZOUVILLA) which was also withdrawn on 12 August 2023 was noted and no further action taken.
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards approved the following rider overweight’s:
 
Race 3: A. Butler - +1kg
Race 4: S. Sheargold – +0.5kg
Race 5: S. Sheargold - +0.5kg
Race 8: S. Sheargold – +0.5kg
            L. Tilley - +1kg
Race 9: S. Sheargold - +0.5kg
            L. Tilley - +1kg
Race 10: S. Sheargold - +0.5kg
 
Race 1: LADBROKES QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap 1300 metres Q
 
Floral Code – Over raced during the early stages.
 
Lucky Jim – In the vicinity of the 250m, shifted out momentarily inconveniencing TANOSHI who was laying in.
 
Better Not Fuss – Shifted out on jumping and bumped with CROAGH PATRICK. Over raced during the early stages.
 
The Wallet – Shifted out on jumping and bumped with CRAICARO. Over raced during the early and middle stages. Hung out rounding the home turn.
 
Craicaro – Shifted in on jumping and bumped with THE WALLET. Laid in under pressure in the home straight hampering CROAGH PATRICK at the 250m. Jockey N. Day was reprimanded pursuant AR131(a) and was advised to take great care when allowing his mount to shift ground.
 
Tanoshi - Laid in in the home straight. In the vicinity of the 200m was obliged to be aware of the heels of LUCKY JIM who shifted out momentarily.
 
Croagh Patrick – Shifted in on jumping and bumped with BETTER NOT FUSS. In the vicinity of the 250m was obliged to ease and shift out to avoid the heels of CRAICARO who was laying in.
 
Race 2: PLANET FITNESS QTIS Maiden Plate 1000 metres
 
Aglot – Approaching the 850m was obliged to be steadied when CURRY LEGEND shifted in as BOGAN PRINCESS rolled out simultaneously.
 
Belphegor – Slow to begin.
 
Canelander – Trainer R. Gudge advised Stewards of a change of tactics today, in that he will attempt to have the gelding ridden further forward if circumstances permit. Slow into stride. Approaching the 850m was obliged to be aware of the heels of VALENCONI who shifted in.
 
Curry Legend – Approaching the 850m, shifted in and as a result AGLOT was obliged to be steadied. Laid in down the straight.
 
Mama's Man – In the vicinity of the 950m shifted out, inconveniencing VALENCONI. Raced wide for the majority.
 
Sonic Light – Shifted in on jumping away.
 
Valenconi – In the vicinity of the 950m clipped the heels of MAMA’S MAN who shifted out abruptly. Approaching the 850m, shifted in and as a result CANELANDER was obliged to be steadied momentarily. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of VALENCONI, Jockey S. Wilson stated that in his opinion the gelding would appreciate further distance than the 1000 metres of today’s event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no visible abnormalities.
 
Bogan Princess – Slow to begin. Near the 850m, rolled out momentarily, inconveniencing AGLOT. Laid out in the straight.
 
Precise Flame – Began awkwardly. Raced wide over the early and middle stages.
 
Gabby's Ready - Raced wide over the early and middle stages.
 
Race 3: CITY LANE BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1000 metres
 
Prior to the running of Race 3 Jockey G. Cartwright was found to be using a mobile telephone in the female jockey’s room. Jockey G. Cartwright was fined $1000 pursuant AR218 in that she had in her possession and was using a mobile telephone in the female jockey’s room.
 
Demon Award – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
Inner Spirit – Approaching the 150m shifted in and contacted ARROGANT HEART who was then taken in and bumped with SUPPOSEDLY WICKED.
 
Allanon – Raced wide for the majority. In the vicinity of the 350m was obliged to be ease momentarily to avoid the heels of THE LOUT which rolled in momentarily.
 
Supposedly Wicked – Approaching the 150m was bumped by ARROGANT HEART.
 
Fudging –Declared a late scratching on veterinary advice after arriving at the barriers at 12:30pm. Trainer M ARDONETTO was advised that FUDGING will require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all monies invested on FUDGING to be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
First:–  DEMON AWARD - 2c win, 2c place
Second: SUPPOSEDLY WICKED– 3c place
Third: OUR ADDICTION– 3c place
 
Smart Thinker – Jockey C. Whiteley was engaged as the replacement rider as Jockey S. Wilson was indisposed due to neck pain. Jockey S Wilson will be required to supply a medical clearance before riding in races again.
 
Arrogant Heart – Slow to begin. Dipped shortly after the start. Held up from the home turn until approaching the 200m when electing to shift out to gain clear running. Approaching the 150m was taken in by INNER SPIRIT and as a result bumped with SUPPOSEDLY WICKED.
 
Elite Standard – Awkward to begin.
 
Solomon – Shifted out on jumping away and bumped with THE LOUT.
 
Delusional - Trainer M. Potiris advised Stewards of a change of tactics today, in that they will attempt to have the gelding ridden back if circumstances permit. Raced wide for the majority.
 
The Lout – Shifted in on jumping and bumped with SOLOMON. Raced wide during the early and middle stages. In the vicinity of the 350m rolled in momentarily and as a result ALLANON was obliged to be eased to avoid heels.
 
Race 4: LADBROKES MATES MODE BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1000 metres
 
Vaporizing – Very awkward to begin losing considerable ground at the start.TrainerJ Hassett was advised that she will be required to obtain a barrier certificate for VAPORISING before the gelding races again.
 
Kefalonia – Raced wide during the early and middle stages. In the vicinity of the 100m rolled out marginally.
 
Dickin Medal – Raced wide for the majority.
 
Arties Lad – Jockey N. Day was reprimanded pursuant AR132(6)(b) in that he used an action when using the whip over the concluding stages in which his arm was above shoulder height.
 
Impardoo – Fractious in the barriers. Slow to begin. Held up for clear running rounding the home turn. In the vicinity of the 100m was taken in by ENUFF ROSES and as a result was obliged to race in restricted room between ENUFF ROSES and KEFALONIA for a number of strides.
 
Brave Intent – Slow into stride.
 
Enuff Roses – Approaching the 100m shifted in, inconveniencing IMPARDOO who was taken in onto the hindquarters of KEFALONIA and was obliged to race in restricted room for a number of strides.
 
Race 5: HJ CONSTRUCTIONS UP & COMING STAYERS BENCHMARK 65 Handicap 2000 metres
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing jockey T. Brooker the rider of MOTAMYIZ to view the Stewards patrol footage in the home straight to ascertain if there were grounds for an objection. After declining to do so, correct weight was declared on the judges’ numbers.
 
The Driller – Awkward to begin. Raced wide for the majority.
 
Don Arcangelo – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have dirt in its left eye.
 
Nemingah NZ – Shortly after the start was obliged to ease off the heels of PHOENIX FLYER who shifted in abruptly under riding when trying to improve into a position closer to the rail. Raced wide throughout.
 
Motamayiz GB - Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after not racing for an extended period of time and cleared to start. Approaching the 200m became unbalanced momentarily after bumping heavily with MONASTERY who rolled out.
 
Recondite IRE - Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after not racing for an extended period of time and cleared to start.
 
Sacred Legacy NZ – Bumped on jumping with VANA STAR who shifted in and as a result was hampered momentarily and carried in onto LIPENSASS.
 
Monastery – Approaching the 200m rolled out and bumped heavily with MOTAMYIZ.
 
Phoenix Flyer – Shortly after the start, shifted in abruptly under riding when attempting to gain a position closer to the rail and as a result SARNIA was inconvenienced momentarily and NEMINGAH was obliged to steady off heels. Jockey C. Whiteley the rider of PHOENIX FLYER was reminded of his obligations to exercise greater care when shifting ground. Raced wide during the early and middle stages.
 
Vana Star - Shifted in on jumping and bumped with SACRED LEGACY who was then carried in onto LIPEANSASS.
 
Sarnia -Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after not racing for an extended period of time and cleared to start. Slow to begin. Shortly after the start was momentarily unbalanced when PHOENIX FLYER shifted in abruptly.
 
Lipeansass – Tightened momentarily at the start when SACRED LEGACY was carried in as MOTAMAYIZ shifted out.
 
Rebel Lake – Raced wide for the majority.
 
Confined Thoughts – Over raced during the early stages. Laid out and compounded over the concluding stages.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
Race 6: LIVING TURF Class 1 Handicap 1200 metres
 
Mista Omega – Passing the 1000m was obliged to be steadied off the heels of BRIGHT TIARA, who also steadied as CORRETTO shifted in.
 
The Sherpa – Trainer A Molinowas questioned regarding the improved performance of THE SHERPA in winnings todays in comparison to the horses previous start at Townsville on 29 July 2023 when the gelding finished 11th beaten 5.6 lengths. Mr Molino advised that he had added a tongue tie to the gelding and changed the rider to Jockey S Sheargold giving him instructions to have the horse forward. Trainer A Molino advised that the gelding has now won 2 of 3 starts for him and believes the gelding is best ridden up on the pace the same as in today’s event. He advised that he will continue to adopt the same tactics on THE SHERPA in future upcoming starts.
His explanation was noted.
 
Corretto NZ – Over-raced during the early stages.Shifted in at the 1000 metres crowding runners to the inside.
 
How Do You Sleep - Began awkwardly
 
Bakersfield – Slow to begin. Over-raced during the early stages.
 
Bright Tiara – Slow to begin. In the vicinity of the 1000m was obliged to steady off the heels of  CORRETTO who shifted in.
 
Make It Happen – In the vicinity of the 800m was obliged to steady off the heels of ROYAL SONG.  Raced keenly over the middle stages.
 
Lady Damus – Approaching the 100m was held up for clear running and Jockey N Day was unable to fully test his mount to the line.
 
Betcha Baby – Jockey G. Cartwright was engaged as the replacement rider as Jockey S. Wilson was indisposed. Dipped on jumping.
 
Race 7: TYREPLUS TOWNSVILLE Class 3 Plate 1400 metres
 
Altar Boy – In the vicinity of 800m shifted out, taking LETMELETGO wider and as a result CETSHWAYO was obliged to ease off heels.
 
Cetshwayo – In the vicinity of the 800m was obliged to ease off the heels LETMELETGO who was taken wider on the track by ALTAR BOY who shifted out.
 
Deluxe Legend – Raced wide over the early and middle stages.
 
Healing Game – Held up for clear running from the 400m to inside the 100m.
 
Indictment – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
Letmeletgo – In the vicinity of the 800m was obliged to ease off the heels of ALTAR BOY who shifted out.
 
Sonofthebeast – Shifted in on jumping away.
 
Wine Talks – Slow to begin.
 
Do Well Legend – Raced wide for the majority.
 
Victory For Us – Awkward and slow to begin. When questioned regarding the gelding’s disappointing performance in today’s event, Jockey J. Murphy advised that in his opinion after missing the start the gelding failed to muster speed after settling back in the field and failed to run on as expected.The explanation was noted.
 
 
Race 8: CAPE CLEVELAND OPEN Handicap 1300 metres
 
Circularity- Over the concluding stages shifted out under pressure. Jockey R. Wiggins was reminded of his obligations to stop riding and straighten his mount when shifting ground.
 
He's Xceptional – Over-raced during the early stages.
 
Inching Closer – A post-race veterinary examination revealed bruising to the gelding’s face and eyes.
 
Bones – Raced wide for the majority.
 
Family Star – In the vicinity of the 250m, when improving, was obliged to be eased off the heels of HALLSIDE HAMMER
 
Hell Of A Boy – Rounding the home turn was disappointed for clear running. Approaching the 200m was held up momentarily and was obliged to ease off the heels of HE’S XCEPTIONAL and shift to the inside to gain clear running.
 
Red Light Roxanne – Slow to begin.
 
Hallside Hammer – In the vicinity of the 1000m began to over-race when crossed by BOLD KINGSTON. Disappointed for a run and unable to improve from the 400m to approaching the 200m.
 
Focus – At the 400 metres FOCUS was held up for clear running and then was eased down approaching the 150 metres. Jockey S Sheargold advised when contacted on 13 August 2023 that he felt that after being in difficulty obtain clear running on the home turn that the gelding did not feel right in its action thereafter and he elected to ease the horse over the concluding stages. Trainer A Molino was then contacted and advised that FOCUS had pulled up well following the event.
 
Ready for Magic – Trainer R Vale was fined $200 pursuant AR 232(b) for failing to notify jockey overweights prior to jockey declaration.
 
Strathcona – Raced wide for the majority.
 
Race 9: LADBROKES TOWNSVILLE CUP 2000 metres
 
Namazu – An inquiry will be held at a time and date to be fixed in relation to the alleged conduct of Trainer R Vale and Stablehand S Vale prior to entering the swabbing stall for the post-race swab.  Mr R Vale will also be further questioned as to reason he did not attend the Stewards Room as directed prior to leaving the course.
 
Savvy Legend NZ – Jockey G. Kliese reported that his saddle slipped approaching the 400m. In the vicinity of the 300m was obliged to be restrained and lost its position when racing in restricted room between NIGHT OF POWER (IRE) which was taken wider by SAYL (GB) and PLAY ME NOW (NZ) who was racing to the outside. Jockey S. Apthorpe, SAYL (GB), pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) in that he allowed his mount to shift out tightening NIGHT OF POWER onto SAVVY LEGEND which had to be steadied and lost its position . Jockey S. Apthorpe’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 11 days to commence midnight the 19 August and to expire midnight the 30th of August 2023.
 
Night Of Power IRE – In the vicinity of the 300m was taken wider on the track by SAYL (GB) and was obliged to race in restricted room between SAYL(GB) and SAVVY LEGEND(NZ).
 
Sayl GB – In the vicinity of the 300m, shifted out, taking NIGHT OF POWER out and as a result SAVVY LEGEND was tightened.
 
Arctic Wolf – Slow into stride. Jockey L Morrison dismounted on pulling up and a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have suffered a tendon injury on the near side foreleg. A Veterinary Certificate of fitness will be required before ARTIC WOLFE can race again.
 
Armour Force – Approaching the 200m, shifted in resulting in PLAY ME NOW(NZ) being obliged to ease off heels.
 
Mystery 'N' Magic – Awkward to begin and as a result was slow into stride. Jumped the crossing on the first occasion and then proceeded to race ungenerously until the 1400m.
 
Play Me Now NZ – In the vicinity of the 300m was obliged to ease off the heels of ARMOUR FORCE who shifted in.
 
Race 10: LADBROKES CLEVELAND BAY 1300 metres
 
Correct weight was delayed to allow Jockey L. Morrison to view the photo finish for 3rd place. Once satisfied, correct weight was declared on the Judge’s semaphored numbers.
 
Dio D’Oro – Slow to begin.
 
Master Jamie – In the vicinity of the 1000m was steadied when CONSTANT FLIGHT shifted in. MASTER JAMIE raced wide for the majority. A post-race veterinary examination revealedno abnormalities.
 
Smart Image – Approaching the 1000m rolled out momentarily and as a result MOLONGLE SURPRISE was hampered. Trainer P Rowe contacted Stewards after leaving the course to advise that SMART IMAGE had jarred up and was showing signs of lameness in both front legs. He was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness will be required before SMART IMAGE races again.
 
Constant Flight - Jockey G. Cartwright the rider of CONSTANT FLIGHT pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) in that she allowed her mount to shift in at the 1000m when insufficiently clear of MASTER JAMIE resulting in MOLONGLE SURPRISE having to be checked and become very unbalanced for several strides. Jockey G. Cartwright’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 11 days to commence midnight the 20th of August and to expire midnight the 31st of August 2023.
 
Isis Carmella – Approaching the 400m improved onto the heels of YES DREAM and elected to shift out and bumping with CABALO ESCURO. Held up from the 350m until the 250m.
 
Yes Dream – Awkward to begin.
 
Brad – Trainer T. Cook was fined $200 pursuant AR 232(b) for failing to notify jockey overweights prior to jockey declaration.
 
Cabalo Escuro – In the vicinity of the 400m bumped with ISIS CARMELLA which shifted out.
 
Molongle Surprise – In the vicinity of the 1000m was obliged to take hold and became very unbalanced when MASTER JAMIE was tightened when CONSTANT FLIGHT shifted in.
 
Go Getaboy – Jockey J. Murphy was engaged as the replacement rider as Jockey S. Wilson was indisposed. Slow to begin.
 
Race 11: HEAVY HAULAGE ASSETS BENCHMARK 70 Handicap 1200 metres
 
Prior to correct weight the Judge amended his placings for second and third to declare a dead heat for second between No 9 SPELLCATCHER (G Cartwright) and 13 FINALLY REALISE (A Layt) . Correct weight was declared after both riders and the Stewards inspected the photo finish image and were satisfied with the amended placings -:
 
1st COURTESY BUS
D/H 2nd SPELLCATCHER
D/H 2nd FINALLY REALISE
4th CARESSING RUPERT
 
Bakuhatsu - Began awkwardly.
 
Golden Gorge – Raced wide during the early and middle stages.
 
Cochrane – Bumped with TEN SCHILLING who shifted out on jumping away. Raced wide for the majority. Jockey C. Spry reported at scale that his mount was inclined to hang out approaching the home turn and that it raced greenly in the home straight. Hung in down the straight. Near the 150m was obliged to be steadied when TEMPO rolled out momentarily.
 
Shepherd Of Fire – Raced wide for the majority.
 
Tempo NZ - Jockey J. Taylor was engaged as the replacement rider as Jockey S. Wilson was indisposed. Contacted heavily at the start by STATS who shifted out on jumping away. Raced wide for the majority. Near the 150m, rolled out momentarily, inconveniencing COCHRANE which was obliged to be steadied.
 
Finally Realise – Held up for clear running from the top of the straight until the 50m.
 
Stats – Began very awkwardly and shifted out, making heavy contact with TEMPO.
 
Knockknee – Held up rounding the home turn. Approaching the 150m was obliged to alter course to gain clear running.
 
Ten Schilling - Shifted out on jumping away and bumped with COCHRANE.
 
Caressing Rupert – Blundered on jumping.
 
Never Cry – Raced wide over the early and middle stages.
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
 
Race 1: Jockey N. Day – AR131(a) – Advise to take greater care when allowing his mount to shift ground – Reprimand
Race 4: Jockey N. Day - AR132(6)(b) - in that he used an action in which his arm was above shoulder height.
Race 8: Trainer L. Hatch – LR36(a)(1) – Failing to scratch CIRCULARITY (Emergency) from a feature race prior to 5pm on the day of acceptances – Reprimand.
Race 8: Trainer J Caught - LR36(a)(1) – Failing to scratch HE’S XCEPTIONAL (Emergency)  from a feature race prior to 5pm on the day of acceptances – Reprimand.
Race 8: Trainer G Holt – LR36(a)(1) - Failing to scratch BOLD KINGSTON (Emergency) from a feature race prior to 5pm on the day of acceptances – Reprimand.
Race 8: Trainer K Allender - – LR36(a)(1) - Failing to scratch INCHING CLOSER (Emergency) from a feature race prior to 5pm on the day of acceptances – Reprimand.
 
Fines
 
Jockey G. Cartwright – AR218(4) – Using a mobile phone in the jockeys room - $1000
Race 8: Trainer R. Vale – $200 - Failure to declare overweight by required time (READY FOR MAGIC) – AR 232(b)
Race 10: Trainer T. Cook - $200 -  Failure to declare overweight by required time (BRAD) – AR 232(b)
Race 10: Jockey R. Wiggins – AR190(3) – Accepting a ride when overweight - $200

Suspensions
 
Race 9: Jockey S. Apthorpe – AR 131(a) – In the vicinity of the 300m allowed his mount to shift ground when insufficiently clear – 11 day suspension.
 
Race 10: Jockey G. Cartwright – AR131(a) – In the vicinity of the 1000m allowed her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear – 11 day suspension.
 
Race day injuries/illness
 
Race 2: Jockey S. Wilson – Medical Clearance required.
 
Absent jockeys
Nil
 
Adjourned inquiries         
Race 9 - Trainer R Vale and Stablehand S Vale
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
NAMAZU, SAVVY LEGEND, AMERICAN SAINT, ARCTIC WOLF, MASTER JAMIE,SMART IMAGE, YES DREAM, DOCTOR ZOUS
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
 
 Race 3: FUDGING – Veterinary clearance required.
 Race 4 : VAPORISING – Barrier Certificate required.
 Race 9 : ARTIC WOLFE – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 10 : SMART IMAGE - Veterinary clearance required.
 
 
Bleeders
Nil
 
Falls
Nil
 
Protests
Nil
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 3: SMART THINKER – C. Whiteley – S. Wilson indisposed.
Race 6: BETCHA BABY – G. Cartwright  - S. Wilson indisposed.
Race 10: GO GETABOY – J. Murphy – S. Wilson indisposed.
Race 10: SMART IMAGE – C. Whiteley – R. Wiggins overweight
Race 11: TEMPO – J. Taylor – S. Wilson indisposed.
 
Late scratchings
 
Race 3: FUDGING - - Veterinary advice
 
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.