QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
TOOWOOMBA TURF CLUB
 
TOOWOOMBA – MONDAY, 1 JANUARY 2024
 
WEATHER – Overcast     TRACK RATING – Good 4; Good 3 following Race 5 RAIL – True
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – C. Warren
Stewards – J. Adams, J. Childs, E. Tickner & W. Glass
Clerk of Scales – F. Hartford
Judge – S. Fahey, M. Fahey & B. Polestra
Veterinarian – Dr C. Bowden-Betts & Dr G. Silvestri
Swab Attendants – K. Kilpatrick & D. Cain
Starter – D. Hodgson & C. Higgins
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweights:
Race 1- BELEGATO (NZ) – M. Rodd +0.5kg (56kg)
Race 7- BEAN DANCING – J. Stanley +1kg (55kg)
 
When Apprentice C. Waddell was indisposed due to illness, and Jockey B. Loy was unable to fulfil his engagements due to transport difficulties, Stewards permitted rider replacements as per the Race-day Summary. Apprentice C. Waddell was advised she would require a medical clearance prior to race-riding again.
 
 
Race 1: GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO. MAIDEN PLATE (1000m)
 
SNAKEBITE – Trainer M. Currie was fined $100 for the late declaration of B. Loy as the rider of the gelding. When B. Loy was delayed due to transport difficulties, Stewards permitted T. Marshall to be declared as the replacement rider. Raced wide until the 600m.
 
SPIRIT OF HEATH – The gelding was a late scratching at 9:20am due to transport difficulties.
 
TEN TRINITY SQUARE – Trainer M. Currie was fined $100 for the late declaration of J. Orman as the rider of the gelding. Approaching the 800m, obliged to check and lost its rightful running when severely tightened. Held-up for clear running from the 400m until shifting wider leaving the 300m.
 
GOLD DAZZLER – From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners to obtain position closer to the running rail. Raced keenly in the 700m. Held-up for clear running in the early stages of the home straight before shifting wider.
 
MISTER – Laid out approaching the 400m. Approaching the 100m, shifted in when not fully clear of GOLD DAZZLER, which was obliged to steady. App J. Williams was severely reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding as a result of this incident. Apprentice J. Williams pleaded guilty to a charge under AR131(b), in that he did fail to ride his mount out to the finish and in doing so did cost his mount 4th place. App William’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 days, commencing 8 January 2024, up to and including 14 January 2024. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered that App William’s actions had cost his mount 4th place, his guilty plea, and poor record in relation to the rule. App Williams was advised of his rights to an appeal.
 
SUNCRAFT – Bumped on jumping and lost ground. Held-up for clear running in the home straight and went to the line largely untested.
 
TIME TO LAUNCH – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
BELEGATO (NZ) – Severely tightened and taken in approaching the 800m. Bumped approaching the 400m. Jockey M. Rodd stated that, in his opinion, the colt was not suited by the firmer track conditions, as it had performed better in softer going in its recent trials. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the colt to be lame in the near-foreleg. Trainer L. Birchley was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.  
 
EXCLUSIVE DROP – Obliged to restrain and shift in approaching the 800m to the avoid heels. Bumped approaching the 400m.
 
THE AUTHOR – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Raced greenly throughout the event. On returning to the mounting yard was found to have lost its near-hind plate in running.
 
GYPSY POWER – Jockey L. Tilley pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that approaching the 800m, he did allow his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of EXCLUSIVE DROP, which was obliged to restrain and shift in to avoid heels, in turn severely tightening the running of BELEGATO (NZ) which was taken inwards onto TEN TRINITY SQUARE, which was obliged to check and lost its rightful running. Jockey Tilley’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 13 days, commencing 10 January 2024 up to and including 22 January 2024. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered the severity of interference and degree of carelessness to be in the mid-range, Jockey Tilley’s guilty plea, and record in relation to the rule. Jockey Tilley was advised of his rights to an appeal.
 
WYARGINE – The gelding was a late scratching at 8:49am on Stewards’ orders due to communication issues with Racing Australia.
 
VIENNESE LOVER – Bumped on jumping.
 
 
Race 2: TAB - WE'RE ON MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Jockey M. Du Plessis to view footage of alleged interference leaving the 1000m. Upon viewing the relevant patrol footage, Jockey M. Du Plessis lodged an objection against the declared winner NEW JOY (L. Tilley). After considering the evidence from both parties, and viewing the relevant footage, Stewards determined that approaching the 1000m, whilst NEW JOY did shift inwards, which in turn carried RED HOT LOVE onto UNLEASH, who was buffeted between runners, and became unbalanced for several strides, Stewards could not however be comfortably satisfied, with consideration to the severity and location of the interference as well as the beaten margin that the interference had any tangible effect on the finishing position of the runners involved and subsequently dismissed the objection and correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
BLUEPRINT – Bumped the running rail leaving the 1000m, becoming unbalanced for several strides. Held-up for clear running from approaching the 400m until being shifted wider approaching the 300m.
 
PICADOR – Began awkwardly from the wide barrier before being shifted behind runners in the early stages to obtain a position nearer the rail. Approaching the 1000m, improved into a marginal run and raced in restricted room for several strides. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ASHMOLEAN – Leaving the 1000m, tightened inwards by UNLEASH, and badly bumped the running rail becoming unbalanced for several strides and obliged to restrain. Performed below market expectations. Trainer M Currie advised that the stable were disappointed with the performance and attributed the interference incurred near the 1000m to be a contributing factor to the poor performance. A post-race revealed no significant abnormalities. Trainer M Currie advised on 2 January 2024 that the mare had pulled up well following the run.
 
UNLEASH – Stewards acceded to a request for the late application of a bubble-cheeker to the mares gear. Co-trainer C. Geran was fined $200 under AR206(2) for failing to lodge the aforementioned gear change by the prescribed time. Leaving the 1000m became severely tightened for room and was buffeted between runners and became severely unbalanced for several strides. Bumped near the 400m when attempting to shift out to improve. Brushed near the 200m when NEW JOY laid out marginally.
 
NEW JOY – Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Laid out under pressure in the home straight, and near the 200m, when continuing to do so, brushed UNLEASH. Jockey L. Tilley pleaded guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that leaving the 1000m, he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of RED HOT LOVE, which was taken in onto UNLEASH, which was severely tightened and buffeted between runners as well as then being tightened onto ASHMOLEAN which was restrained and made heavy contact with the running rail and lost ground. Jockey Tilley’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 13 days, commencing at the completion of the previous suspension incurred in Race 1, commencing 23 January 2024 up to and including 4 February 2024. In assessing penalty, Stewards considered the severity of interference and degree of carelessness to be in the mid-range, Jockey Tilley’s guilty plea, and record in relation to the rule. Jockey Tilley was advised of his rights to an appeal. When queried regarding the improved performance, Trainer M Nolan stated the fillies previous outing when resuming from a spell had been a hard run from the wide barrier which was a telling factor. Mr Nolan added that with the fillies recent work the stable had expected a more forward showing though were pleasantly surprised by the winning performance, which was aided by todays uninterrupted run. Stewards noted the explanation.
 
TIME FOR JACK – Laid in leaving the 1000m when being steadied and crowded BLUEPRINT onto the inside running rail. Raced wide and without cover thereafter. Laid in leaving the 400m, becoming awkwardly placed on heels for several strides.
 
PRIDE AN' JOY – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
RED HOT LOVE – Taken in leaving the 1000m away from heels and tightened runners to the inside and bumped on several occasions.
 
 
Race 3: NEIL MANSELL CONCRETE CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1300m)
 
IRONSIDE – Began awkwardly. Approaching the 1100m, when attempting to obtain a position with cover, shifted in and when not fully clear of ZOU ZOUAMORE, which was obliged to steady. App J. Molloy was reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding as a result of this incident. Approaching the 300m, obliged to alter course and race wider when MOS OUT commenced to give ground abruptly.
 
UNION SPIRIT – When Jockey B. Loy was unable to fulfil his engagements due to transport difficulties, Stewards permitted Jockey J. Orman to be declared the replacement rider.
 
IRISH SALLY – Began only fairly. Jockey K. Zechner was reprimanded under AR132(7)(a)(i) for using his whip on six (6) occasions, one (1) more than permitted prior to the 100m.
 
OZARCH – Blundered on jumping. Approaching the 300m, obliged to shift out around heels when MOS OUT commenced to give ground abruptly.
 
ZOU ZOUAMORE – Momentarily inconvenienced approaching the 1100m.

MOS OUT – Commenced to give ground abruptly approaching the 400m. Was not pressured in the home straight and finished tailed off. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities, Trainer J. Thomas undertook to advise Stewards should anything become apparent regarding the fillies condition in the coming days, at which time Stewards will consider the matter further.
 
MANDALONG FLAG – Passing the 350m, shifted in when insufficiently clear of BOSS BANDIT, who was obliged to steady for several strides. Jockey M. Savva was severely reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding. In considering the incident Stewards were mindful that Jockey Savva had shifted in at that time to avoid the heels of MOS OUT, which was yielding ground abruptly, nonetheless Stewards advised Jockey Savva that greater efforts should have been made to restrain away from the heels of that runner as well as to not shift fully into the line of BOSS BANDIT when not obliged to do so. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
BOSS BANDIT – Slow to begin. Obliged to restrain off heels passing the 350m.
 
INHISTIME – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
Race 4: LIVEWIRED ELECTRICAL BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP (1625m)
 
CAPTAIN HOOK (NZ) – Laid out excessively when under pressure in the home straight. Whilst Stewards acknowledged that no tangible interference had occurred, App J. Williams was nonetheless advised to exercise greater care and to stop riding and straighten his mount in similar circumstances.
 
GUTS 'N' GLORY – Bumped approaching the 400m.
 
TUHINGA – Held-up for clear running rounding the home-turn, having to be shifted wider passing the 400m and to be momentarily steadied approaching the 300m.
 
ELIZANO – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages. Became awkwardly placed on the heels leaving the 200m and was obliged to steady before shifting wider.
 
BARRYMORE – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Under pressure from the 800m in an effort to obtain a position nearer the inside running rail.  and gave ground in the home straight. Jockey T.  Brummell was reminded of his obligations regarding his use of the whip when out of contention. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
SIGOURNEY (NZ) – Bumped approaching the 400m. Shifted out and away form another runner approaching the 200m.
 
BY THE LAW – Connections advised it would be the intention to have the gelding ridden further forward than in its most recent starts, should circumstances permit. Settled mid-field. Began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
 
 
Race 5: SKUSE GRAHAM CRIMINAL LAWYERS FILLIES & MARES BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP (1100m)
 
FLANK SPEED – Bumped on jumping. Laid out rounding the home-turn.
 
BONNIE EV – Proved difficult to load. Trainer W. Baker was advised a warning would be placed on the mare’s record. Began awkwardly.
 
VONZITHER – Raced wide and without cover and was pressured from a point passing the 700m to obtain a position nearer the inside running rail trailing the leader near the  the 600m before being pressured to obtain a position outside the lead. Performed below market expectations. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a poor post-race recovery.  Stewards intend to follow up with Trainer C Geran in the coming days regarding the mares condition.
 
WINTER RAIN – Bumped on jumping. Became awkwardly placed on heels leaving the 400m and was obliged to restrain before shifting wider. Held up for clear running for a short distance on entering the home straight.
 
KAZZA'S JET – Laid in under pressure down the running, becoming momentarily awkwardly placed on heels soon after entering the home straight as a result.
 
TAPIS MAGIQUE – Laid in under pressure down the running. A post-race veterinary revealed some general minor muscle soreness.
 
ROWDASH – Bumped the running rail at the 550m. Improved onto heels passing the 500m and was held-up for clear running from that point until leaving the 300m.
 
WHISTLE HOFF – Became awkwardly placed on heels leaving the 400m and was obliged to steady. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have lost its off-fore plate in running.
 
Following the running of this event, the racing surface was upgraded to a Good 3.
 
 
Race 6: MORT & CO KING OF THE MOUNTAIN (1200m)
 
ROTHFIRE – Shifted in approaching the 1000m when not fully clear of MASTER JAMIE causing that runner to be momentarily restrained. Jockey B. Thompson was severely reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding as a result of this incident. Stewards noted, when considering penalty, that MASTER JAMIE had been inclined ot race keenly leading into the incident which slightly exacerbated the interference.
 
MASTER JAMIE – Raced keenly in the early stages. Was obliged to momentarily restrain off heels approaching the 1000m.  
 
STUTTERING – When queried regarding the geldings settling position, Jockey M. Du Plessis stated that after beginning fairly the fast early pace left the gelding flat-footed, noting its most recent race-starts having been over 1600m. Jockey Du Plessis further added he was not disappointed with the performance.
 
STEADY READY – Bumped on jumping.
 
RALPHIE – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.
 
FIVE OXFORD – Reared on jumping and lost ground before being shifted behind runners to obtain a position nearer the inside running rail in the early stages. Became awkwardly placed on heels for several strides approaching the 700m.
 
MAHBABY – Began awkwardly and bumped. Commenced to over-race approaching the 800m and raced ungenerously when restrained off heels soon after.
 
SALT LAKE BETTY – Raced keenly in the early stages. Tired noticeably in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities. Stewards intend to follow up with Trainer D Forster in the coming days regarding the fillies condition.
 
 
Race 7: EUREKA STUD KING OF THE MOUNTAIN CONSOLATION OPEN HANDICAP (1200m)
 
DON'T STOP – Hung-out rounding the home-turn. Improved onto heels and was momentarily steadied approaching the 300m. Momentarily hampered and obliged to shift in away from heels approaching the 100m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
 
SIR ROCKET – Laid-in throughout the event.
 
TARA JASMINE – Slow into stride. Raced keenly on heels approaching the 1000m. Raced wide and without cover from the 700m.
 
COURTESY BUS – Laid-in under pressure in the home straight and proved somewhat difficult to ride out.
 
THE TYLER – Began awkwardly and bumped.
 
THE CULLINAN – Began awkwardly.
 
BEAN DANCING – Bumped on jumping.
 
COUNT THE COIN – Held-up from the 450m until a point approaching the 200m.
 
CRACKER ESSGEE – Was declared a late scratching at 5:10pm when dislodging its rider harmlessly during the preliminary before then then galloping a considerable distance riderless. Prior to the declaration of correct weight all monies invested on the gelding were ordered to be refunded with the following deductions applicable to all successful wagers placed prior to 5:10pm;
 
9 cents in the dollar for the for the win
11 cents in the dollar for the place on the winner
11 cents in the dollar for 2nd place
11 cents in the dollar for 3rd place
 
Jockey M. Du Plessis was examined by QAS and passed fit to fulfill his remaining engagements.
 
 
Race 8: MNP SECURITY RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP (1625m)
 
ZOUY'S COMET – Trainer W. Bannerot was fined $200 under AR206(1)­ for the late application to remove the tongue tie from the gelding’s approved gear. Stewards permitted Apprentice T. Leslight to be declared the replacement rider of the gelding when Apprentice C. Waddell was indisposed due to illness. Began awkwardly and bumped.
 
MIDNIGHT GUN – Hung-out for a short distance near the 1300m.

BULL DIMPLE RUM – Over-raced on heels approaching the 1300m.
 
AWAIT THE STORM – App S. McCann lost the use of her off-side stirrup leaving the barriers before regaining it a short distance later. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the gelding, and the fast tempo set as well as the considerable lead established through the middle stages, App McCann stated her instructions were to be positive on the gelding, and if proving difficult to restrain to permit her mount to stride forward and obtain the lead. She further added, the gelding commenced to take charge in the middle stages. App McCann advised she was not aware she had established such a margin on the remainder of the field and had not intended to maintain the fast tempo she was setting throughout the event. Stable Foreman Mr K. Zahmel confirmed the instructions issued to App McCann, however, did acknowledge it was not advantageous to the gelding’s chances in setting such a fast tempo through the middle stages. Mr Zahmel further added the stable would now consider the addition of a Norton-bit to the geldings gear. Stewards further advised Apprentice McCann that the ride would be referred to the Racing Queensland Apprentice Training Team. Stewards also intend to review betting records in relation to the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying an extremely poor post-race recovery. Trainer L. Hatch was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding racing again.
 
TOMBOY'S SPIRIT – App O. Kendal reported she accidentally dropped her near-side rein over the concluding stages.
 
DANE ICHI – Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection after contacting a gate post on exiting the mounting yard and was passed fit to start. Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in early stages. Bumped near the 800m.
 
EPIC LOVE (NZ) – Bumped near the 800m when shifting out in and effort to improve.
 

 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees:
 
Reprimands
Race 1 – App J. Williams – Careless Riding- AR131(a) - Severe Reprimand
Race 3 – Jockey M. Savva – Careless Riding- AR131(a) – Severe Reprimand
Race 3 – App J. Molloy – Careless Riding- AR131(a)– Reprimand
Race 3 – Jockey K. Zechner – Whip Use prior to 100m- AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Reprimand
Race 6 – Jockey B. Thompson – Careless Riding- AR131(a) – Severe Reprimand
 
Fines
Race 1 – M. Currie – Late rider declaration – LR67(1) - $200
Race 2 – C. & K. Gearn – Late Gear request – AR206(2) - $200
Race 8 – W. Bannerot – Late Gear request – AR206(2) - $200

Suspensions
Race 1 – App J. Williams – Failure to ride mount out to the finish- AR131(b) – 7 Days – 8 January 2024- 14 January 2024 (inclusive)
Race 1 – Jockey L. Tilley – Careless Riding- AR131(a) – 13 days – 10 January 2024- 22 January 2024 (inclusive)
Race 2 – Jockey L. Tilley – Careless Riding- AR131(a) – 13 days – 23 January 2024 – 4 February 2024 (inclusive)
 
Absent jockeys
App C. Waddell – illness – medical clearance required
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
IRONSIDE, SIGOURNEY, ROTHFIRE, ALL THAT PIZZAZZ, MASTER JAMIE, STEADY READY, MAHBABY, SALT LAKE BETTY, HOT SPRING GOLD, DON’T STOP, TIGER LEGEND & MIDNIGHT GUN
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners & STEADY READY
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 – BELEGATO (NZ) – Veterinary clearance required – Lame near-foreleg.
Race 5 – BONNIE EV – Warning – Difficult to load
Race 8 – AWAIT THE STORM – Veterinary clearance required – Poor post-race recovery
 
Falls
Race 7 – M. Du Plessis – Harmlessly dislodged in preliminary – passed fit to fulfill remaining engagements
 
Protests
Race 2 – 2nd v. 1st – Dismissed
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: SNAKEBITE - Taylor Marshall
            TEN TRINITY SQUARE - James Orman
            VIENNESE LOVER - Ms Georgina Cartwright
Race 2: ASHMOLEAN - James Orman
            KICKS AND GIGGLES - Taylor Marshall
            NEW JOY - Les Tilley
            TIME FOR JACK - Jai Williams (a1.5/54kg),
            PRIDE AN’ JOY - Kenji Yoshida
            RED HOT LOVE - Ms Georgina Cartwright
Race 3: UNION SPIRIT – J. Orman
            TATTLE - Ms Emily Lang (a2/51kg),
            BOSS BANDIT - Tyler Leslight (a3/54kg),
            INHISTIME - Nozi Tomizawa
Race 4: GOT THE LOT - Ms Savannah McCann (a3/51kg),
Race 5: BONNIE EV - Jake Molloy (a0/56kg),
            KAZZA’S JET - Tyler Leslight (a3/54kg),
Race 6: MASTER JAMIE - Les Tilley
Race 8: ZOUY’S COMET – Tyler Leslight (a3/54kg)
            MIDNIGHT GUN - James Orman
 
Late scratchings
Race 1- SPIRIT OF HEATH – 9:20am
WYARGINE – 8:49am
Race 7- CRACKER ESSGEE – 5:10pm
 
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.