QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT.
TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB
SUNDAY 23RD JUNE 2024
WEATHER – FINE TRACK RATING – SOFT (5) RAIL – +5m 1000M – WINNING POST , +2 REMAINDER
PENETROMETER –
OFFICIALS
Chairman of Stewards – D Griffiths
Stewards – P Gillard (Snr), P Warren, J McIntosh
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
Townsville Turf Club on Saturday 25 May 2024
The inquiry adjourned from Race 6 at the Townsville Turf Club on Saturday 25 May 2024 in relation to a complaint made by Jockey Wanderson D’Avilla the rider of Wicklow Lass NZ, alleging that at the completion of the race Apprentice Tyler Leslight directed a racist remark towards him, was reconvened on 21 June 2024 via TEAMS teleconference.
Apprentice T Leslight was charged under the provisions of AR 228 (e) “Conduct detrimental to the interests of racing” to which he pleaded guilty – : AR 228 (e) reads - A person must not engage in: (e) conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies, or insults another person (“other person”) on the basis, including but not limited to, a person’s race, religion, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, special ability/disability , or sexual orientation, preference, or identity while the other person is acting in the course of his or her duties in the racing industry.
Apprentice T Leslight licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 weeks with two (2) weeks of that period wholly suspended under the provisions of AR 283(5) for a period of two (2) years under the proviso that Apprentice Leslight does not reoffend under a similar rule in that time. Given his confirmed riding engagements, Stewards ruled that this suspension to ride in races is to commence midnight Saturday 29 June 2024 and conclude midnight Saturday 27 July 2024 - (4 weeks).
In assessing penalty, Stewards considered Apprentice Leslight’s, guilty plea, his apology and genuine remorse in relation to the matter and that he provided evidence that he had since completed a training course on racial discrimination.
Apprentice Leslight was advised of his right of appeal.
Townsville Turf Club Saturday 8 June 2024
Race 3: NEXANS - OLEX BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP – 1000 METRES
Stewards today concluded an inquiry into a complaint from jockey L. Morrison (LADY RAIN) against jockey R. Wiggins (DARK REBEL) in that he allowed his mount to shift in, inconveniencing her mount soon after the start. After hearing evidence from both riders and viewing of the race-day footage, stewards noted the galloping action of DARK REBEL which they deemed the reason for DARK REBEL shifting in and LADY RAIN being inconvenienced. As such no further action was taken other than both riders being reminded of their professionalism and conduct.
GENERAL
Permitted Overweight’s:
R4, Craicaro + 1kg
R7, Little Red Pepper + 1kg
R9, Investor + 1kg, Zouvilla + 1kg
Race 1: HYGAIN QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP – 1200 Metres
MARCH MADNESS – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
GOOD 'N' DEVINE – Raced greenly for a short distance after the start.
SMART MISSION – Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 2: SECURE YOUR WINTER CARNIVAL TICKETS NOW MAIDEN PLATE – 1200 Metres
MUMMIFICATION – Slow to begin. Laid in leaving the 1000 metres and shifted in when the pace slackened placing ALLIGATOR ROSE in restricted room.
ALLIGATOR ROSE – Slow to begin. Checked leaving the 1000 metres when racing in restricted room.
MY COUNTY – Slow into stride. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
FAIRYBOWER FLYER – Began awkwardly.
KATA KAPI – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
SIMPLE WAY – Jockey J. Murphy advised stewards on returning to scale the gelding tended to lay out for most of the race.
Race 3: LADBROKES ODDS SURGE QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP –
1000 Metres
WHATA BOBBI DAZZLA – Shifted out at the start bumping ARTURETTA. The saddle shifted back entering the home straight placing jockey P. Romeo at a disadvantage.
ARTURETTA – After being initially slow to begin was bumped by WHATA BOBBI DAZZLER which shifted out bumping COME LET’S KISS on the hind quarters. Raced greenly in the early and middle stages.
CONVERTOR – Began awkwardly. Laid out in the home straight.
SUPER FREEZE – Began awkwardly.
COME LET’S KISS – Bumped on the hind quarters on jumping and was unbalanced.
KEEP ON RUNNING – Raced wide for most of the race.
Race 4: MITAVITE QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP – 1300 Metres
MISS FARSTAR – Delayed the start after becoming fractious in the barriers and became momentarily cast, as a result underwent a veterinary examination and was subsequently declared a late scratching at 2.16pm. All monies invested on MISS FARSTAR were ordered to be refunded. Deductions applicable to bets placed on winner and placegetters prior to 2.16PM:
2 cents in the dollar for the win YELLOWSTONE BETH
4 cents in the dollar for the place of winner YELLOWSTONE BETH
3 cents in the dollar for 2nd place WEMYSS
4 cents in the dollar for 3rd place WHITE ARENDELLE
Trainer G. Holt was advised she must obtain a further barrier certificate for the filly prior to its next race start.
THREDBO – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
YELLOWSTONE BETH – Shifted out at the start bumping CRAICARO. Held up for clear running from leaving the 400 metres until near the 200 metres. Laid out near the 100 metres bumping WEMYSS.
CRAICARO – Bumped on jumping.
CENTRAL PARK – Shifted out at the start bumping READY TO PARDON.
READY TO PARDON – Bumped on jumping.
WEMYSS – Bumped near the 100 metres.
HUNT THE HUNTER – Raced wide for much of the race.
PURPOSE ‘N’ VISION – Over-raced in the middle stages. Stewards questioned jockey L. Morrison regarding the performance of the filly today. Ms Morrisson stated she was advised to be positive out of the barriers which was confirmed by trainer R. Chillemi, Ms Morrison stated she urged the horse forward on jumping to take up a forward position however was unable to improve forward from its wide barrier and elected to restrain and obtain cover instead of being forced to race wide. She further explained POWER ‘N’ VISION raced very dour today which she reported to trainer R. Chillemi and that she was slightly hampered when CENTRAL PARK shifted out in front of her near the 300 metres however finished the filly from that point only finished off fairly. Stewards noted her explanation.
Race 5: CORONA BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1000 M
Correct weight was delayed to jockey L. Morrison to view the photo finish print. After doing so Ms Morrison was satisfied with judges’ decision.
LOBURN LASS – After being slow to begin shifted out inconveniencing runners to its outside. Tightened for room and restrained leaving the 200 metres. Jockey J. Murphy, the rider of YAMABUSHI pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR 131(a) in that he allowed his mount to shift in near the 200 metres to obtain clear running when not fully clear of LOBURN LASS which had to be restrained. J. Murphy’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period 7 days to commence midnight M/N 29/06/2024 until M/N 6/07/2024. Stewards deemed this incident in a low range, and he was advised of his appeal rights. In considering penalty stewards considered his good record in relation to this rule, guilty plea and his conduct throughout the inquiry.
YAMABUSHI – Slow to begin and inconvenienced on jumping. Difficulties obtaining clear running entering the home straight until leaving the 200 metres.
EXSENSIBLE – Slow to begin and inconvenienced on jumping.
WINNING SAGA – Crowded for room leaving the 200 metres.
MIDAS STAR – Hung in badly in the home straight proving difficult to ride and went to the line without being tested. Raced wide for most of the race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Trainer S. Bush was advised a warning would be placed regarding the geldings’ racing manners.
CAVENTE – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
HIT SNOOZE – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
FLYING SHAMUS – Raced wide for much of the race.
Race 6: GREAT NORTHERN BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1000 M
VEE EIGHT POWER – Bounded in the air on jumping and then tightened for room between runners.
SO ODELIA – Shifted in at the start tightening VEE EIGHT POWER.
LADY DAMUS – Shifted out on jumping tightening VEE EIGHT POWER. Bumped near the 250 metres.
KAHAYLAAN – Began awkwardly and shifted out bumping BAKERFIELD and lost ground. Shifted out near 300 metres bumping heavily with COLD POWER. Jockey C. Jokic was advised to show greater care when shifting ground.
BAKERSFIELD – Bumped on jumping.
SHIPS AHOY – Momentarily held up in the early part of the home straight.
COLD POWER – Bumped heavily near the 300 metres and was forced wider. Raced wide for most of the race.
VIBURNUM – Raced wide for much of the race.
OVOID – Raced wide for most of the race.
Race 7: LADBROKES RACING CLUB RATINGS BAND 0 - 60 HANDICAP 1609 M
REDAVNI – Raced ungenerously in the early stages.
BETTA AL – Improved onto heels near the 200 metres having to be checked and shift wider to obtain clear running.
DEFROSTED – Raced wide in the early stages.
GINGER MICK – Raced wide for the majority.
DECRYPTING GOLD – Raced wide for the majority.
ZOUHOPE – Stewards questioned trainer J. Russo in the company of jockey L. Morrison regarding the early tactics adopted today when electing to ride the horse back in the field in contrast to it previous start when ridden forward. They agreed no firm instructions were issued today noting that there was good speed in the race and being drawn wide jockey Morrison elected to ride off the speed. Whilst stewards noted their explanation, they were reminded of their obligation to advise stewards of any change of tactics under AR 100(a).
EROE – Stewards questioned trainer B. McGuire into the improved performance today. Mr McGuire explained the gelding was stepping up in distance and had previously performed well over the 1609 metres and he was confident that the step up in distance of todays race would be beneficial. The explanation was noted.
HEZABUSYBEE – Finished tailed off. Stewards will discuss going forward with trainer T. McGovern.
Race 8: EXPLORE PROPERTY MUNRO & CO BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 1300 M
DARK REBEL – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was cleared to start. Over-raced in the early stages.
TEMPO (NZ) – Jumped in at the start tightening AMMAND.
AMMAND – Tightened for room on jumping. Raced wide for the majority.
CROWNING MOMENT – Over-raced in the early stages.
ELLEVES – Began awkwardly. Over-raced in the early stages.
WISE DRAGON – Raced wide for the majority.
Race 9: LADBROKES NQ CUP OPEN HANDICAP 1609 M
DEVIL KICK – Was kicked by another runner behind the barriers prior to the start, underwent a veterinary examination and was cleared to start.
ZOUVILLA – Slow to begin.
MYSTERY 'N' MAGIC – Over-raced in the early stages.
MISS SEATTLE – Over-raced in the middle stages.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
Summary of action concerning licensees
Suspensions
Race 5, Jackson Murphy (Jockey) – careless riding – M/N 29/06/2024 until M/N 6/07/2024 – 7 Days.
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed pre-race.
Loburn Lass, Cold Power, Ovoid, Crowning Moment, Dark Rebel.
Horses swabbed post-race.
All winners and Better Show
Warnings/bars
Race 4, Miss Farstar – Fractious in barriers - Late scratching at 2.16pm. Vets advise. Barrier Certificate required.
Race 8, Scantoon – Late scratching 8.43am – Vets advice – Injured in transit – Vet clearance required. AR 20(e)
Race 8, Wise Dragon – Hung in down the home straight – Warning on racing manners.
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 4, Yellowstone Beth – App Tyler Leslight
Race 4, White Arendelle – Isabella Teh
Race 6, Vee Eight Power – Denicious Smith
Race 7, Ginger Mick – Isabella Teh
Race 8, Majestic Wings – Scott Sheargold
Late scratchings
Race 4, Miss Farstar – Fractious in barriers - Late scratching at 2.16pm. Vets advise.
Race 8, Scantoon – Late scratching 8.43am – Vets advice – Injured in transit.
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.