QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025

WEATHER – FINE         TRACK RATING –SOFT 6 (RACES 1 & 2 – UPGRADED SOFT 5 RACES 3-8) RAIL – +2 metres 1000m to Winning Post ; True Remainder
PENETROMETER – 5.6

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – D Griffiths
Stewards – P Warren (Starter), J McIntosh, K Dean (Clerk of Scales), S Nosworthy (Judge).


GENERAL
 
Due to the Bruce Highway being closed due to flooding between Ingham and Cardwell the following horses were withdrawn when unable to be floated south -:
Race 1. Mr Oreo. Race 2 Mr Grumbler. Race 4 Corbusier, Our Impact (Late scratching at 7.45 a.m.), Race 5 Mystery ‘N’ Magic. Race 7 Go Getaboy, Crowning Moment Race 8 Ellie’s Dream, Turn Bird.
 
Due to road flooding the following riders were unable to travel to Townsville from Cairns – Jockey A Thomson, Apprentice T Leslight.
 
Apprentice L O’Donnell was unable to fulfill her riding engagements at the meeting due to transport issues. Documentation confirming same was supplied.
Jockey A Sewell was unable to fulfill his riding engagements in Races 7 & 8.due to advertised early road closures because of Highway flooding south of Townsville requiring him to leave the meeting early.
 
The following late changes of riders were approved -:
Race 3 – Mythbuster - A Butler replaced R Wiggins
Race 5 – Early Thoughts – N Thomas replacing Apprentice L O’Donnell
Race 6 – Bring Me Flowers – Apprentice B Johnson replacing Apprentice L O’Donnell
Race 6 – Ilzoomya – N Thomas replacing Apprentice T Leslight
Race 7 - King Jester – A Butler replacing A Sewell
Race 7 – Reggie’s Boy – G Kliese replacing Apprentice L O’Donnell
Race 8 - Robust Boy – A Butler replacing A Sewell
Race 8 – Sensationabull – Apprentice T Fenlon replacing A Sewell
Race 8 – Look At Rosa – W. D’Avilla replacing A Sewell (dual booking).
 
The following overweight’s were approved -:
Race 1 Royal Prophecy (A Sewell) +0.5, Race 7 King Jester (A Butler) +1.0, Reggie’s Boy (G Kliese) +2.0, (No senior rider available at the allocated weight).
Under the Limit (J Stanley) +1.0,
 


Race 1: LADBROKES BLACKBOOK QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP       1200 M

NOSEY NEO – Was kicked behind the barriers by CASCIA and underwent a pre-race veterinary examination before being passed fit to start. Brushed the running rail approaching the winning post.
 
CASCIA - Jumped awkwardly.
 
Race 2: RENEW YOUR 2025 CLUB MEMBERSHIP MAIDEN HANDICAP   1000 M

THE KAMIKAZE (NZ) – Jockey M McDonald was reminded of his obligations to ride his mount out to the finish of the event. It was noted that Jockey McDonald eased when riding his mount approaching the finishing line and held second placing by a margin of a nose. Steward advised Jockey McDonald that should he have not been placed second then he would have faced a charge under AR131 (b) for failing to take all measures in riding his mount out to the finish. Stewards also reminded him that he had only recently returned from a suspension for a breach of this rule.
 
MISS COMANECI - Hung in when struck with the whip at the 100 metres, Jockey A Sewell then swapped the whip over to the right hand and corrected his mount.
 
SECRET ENCRYPTION – Slow into stride.
 
Race 3: MAGIC MILLIONS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE 1000 M

MYTHBUSTA – A late replacement rider to Jockey A Butler replacing R Wiggins was approved due to R Wiggins flight being delayed.
 
CLOUD EIGHT – Fractious and difficult to load. Jumped awkwardly and contacted the side of the barriers losing ground.
 
LOOMING LEGEND – Commenced to overrace for a short distance when crossed by MYTHBUSTA at the 800 metres.
 
Race 4: THANK YOU EMERGENCY SERVICES WORKERS QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD HANDICAP         1000 M

No racing incidents to report.

Race 5: TOWNSVILLE CUP 9 AUGUST BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP       1400 M

 
STRATHCONA – As the gates opened STRATHCONA abruptly got its head down resulting in Jockey R Wiggins being dislodged. The riderless STRATHCONA then raced on the rail a distance in front of the field for most of the race. Stewards delayed correct weight and confirmed that STRATHCONA was to be declared a runner. Trainer M Purvis was advised that a warning would be issued. Stewards noted that STRATHCONA had not previously shown any issues in the barriers.
 
Prior to correct weight being declared all riders were questioned as to whether they were impeded by the riderless STRATHCONA. No riders raised any concerns and after viewing the stewards patrol film correct weight was declared.
 
Jockey R Wiggins was checked by Ambulance officers and cleared to take further rides on the program.

 
Race 6: COWBOYS LEAGUES CLUB BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP    1200 M

BRING ME FLOWERS – Slow to begin and raced three wide without cover throughout.
 
JOE'S GIGGLE - Slow to begin
 
AIDENABET - Jumped awkwardly and shifted in shortly after the start. Hung in over the final 300 metres making it difficult for Apprentice T Fenlon to be able to fully test the gelding.
 
MAJESTICS REQUEST - Slow to begin and crowded short after the start by AIDENABET which shifted in. On returning to scale Jockey W D’Avilla reported that MAJESTICS REQUEST had felt uncomfortable in its action. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
WIN AND TONIC - Jumped out at the start taking SNITZAROO onto YELLOWSTONE BETH which was checked.
 
SNITZAROO – Hampered on jumping.
 
YELLOWSTONE BETH – Checked on jumping. Jockey J Stanley reported that YELLOWSTONE BETH tended to hang out throughout the event.

Race 7: GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO OPEN HANDICAP         1200 M

KING JESTER - Slow to begin.
 
UNDER THE LIMIT – Commenced to hang out when placed under pressure over the final 200 metres, Jockey J Stanley changed the whip into his right hand at the 80 metres to correct the gelding.
 
 
Race 8: BOOTS AND BEATS COUNTRY RACEDAY 19 JULY RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP 1200 M

DECRYPTING GOLD – Slow to begin.
 
HE GOES BOOM – Slow into stride. Jockey N Day was reprimanded for using his whip on 6 occasions prior to the 100 metres - AR132 (7) a.
 
ROBUST BOY – Slow to begin. Raced three wide for the majority. Tightened for room at the 300 metres when racing between CONVERTOR (D Smith) which shifted out and KIDSTON (M McDonald) which simultaneously shifted in marginally. Jockey D Smith CONVERTOR was reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift ground under riding at that point. AR 131 (a)
 
SENSATIONABULL - The start was delayed when the gelding reared and struck its head in the barriers, and as a result the SENSATIONABULL underwent a veterinary examination and was subsequently declared a late scratching scratching at 5.50 p.m. All monies invested on SENSATIONABULL were ordered to be refunded. Deductions applicable to bets placed on winner and placegetters prior to the scratching:
 
3 cents in the dollar for the win on KIDSTON
4 cents in the dollar for the place of winner KIDSTON
6 cents in the dollar for 2nd place CONVERTOR
5 cents in the dollar for 3rd place HE GOES BOOM
 
Trainer Joshua Manzelmann was advised that he will be required to provide a Veterinary Clearance prior to the horse racing or trialing again. A warning was issued regarding SENSATIONABULL’S barrier manners.
 
CATALINA DREAMING – Held up for clear running making the home turn and shift back to the rails at the 300 metres to obtain same.
 
KIDSTON – Shifted in at the 300 metres hampering another runner. Jockey M McDonald advised to exercise more care in similar situations.
 
CONVERTOR – Raced wide throughout. Shifted out under riding at the 300 metres hampering another runner.
 
SPINELESS – Jumped awkwardly.
 
ELLEVES – Hampered on jumping.
 
LOOK AT ROSA – Jumped out at the start contacting ELLEVES.





STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 8 – D Smith (Convertor) Ar131 (a) – Careless causing a tightening.
Race 8 – N Day (He Goes Boom) – Use of the whip on 6 occasions prior to the 100 metres - AR132 (7) a

Fines
Nil
Suspensions
Nil

Race day injuries/illness
Race 5 – R Wiggins required Ambulance attention after being dislodged. Cleared for further rides Race 6 & 8.

Absent jockeys
Apprentice L O’ Donnell

Adjourned inquiries
Nil

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
Race 2 The Kamikaze (NZ), Miss Comaneci. Race 5 Mooloolaba (NZ), Finsceal. Race 7 Stick to Your Guns. Race 8 Kidston.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings
Race 5 Strathcona – barrier incident.
Race 8 Sensationabull – Fractious in barriers

Bleeders
Nil

Falls
Race 5 Strathcona – rider R Wiggins dislodged on jumping.

Adjourned inquiries
Nil

Protests
Nil

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 5 – Early Thoughts – N Thomas replacing Apprentice L O’Donnell
Race 6 – Bring Me Flowers – Apprentice B Johnson replacing Apprentice L O’Donnell
Race 6 – Ilzoomya – N Thomas replacing Apprentice T Leslight
Race 7 -  King Jester – A Butler replacing A Sewell
Race 7 – Reggie’s Boy – G Kliese replacing Apprentice L O’Donnell
Race 8 -  Robust Boy – A Butler replacing A Sewell
Race 8 – Sensationabull – Apprentice T Fenlon replacing A Sewell
Race 8 – Look At Rosa – W. D’Avilla replacing A Sewell (dual booking).


Late scratching’s
 
Race 4 – Our Impact (Flooding). 


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.