QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
WARWICK TURF CLUB
 
WARWICK – THURSDAY, 28 DECEMBER 2023
 
WEATHER – FINE  TRACK RATING – SOFT 7; upgraded to a Soft 6 at 11am; upgraded to a Soft 5 at 1:20pm              RAIL – TRUE
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – E. Tickner
Stewards – J. Childs, T. Preston & W. Glass
Clerk of Scales – F. Hartford
Judge – S. Fahey & M. Grew
Veterinarian – Dr B. Locke
Swab Attendants – D. Cain
Starter – C. Higgins
 
General
 
Due to the weather conditions, Stewards enacted Level 1 of the Racing Queensland Heat Policy.
 
Race 1: PSP VIDEO QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP (1200m)
 
Correct weight was delayed allowing Stewards and Apprentice H. Gillie to view footage of the start. Whilst acknowledging that the gelding had been marginally disadvantaged at the start when the barriers had been slow to open, acting under AR204, given GOLD REVOLUTION’S second placing in the event, the gelding was required to be considered a runner, and subsequently correct weight was declared on the Judges’ semaphored numbers.
 
NO BETTER TIME – Approaching the 800m, became awkwardly placed on heels when the pace slackened for several strides.
 
TALANA – Performed below market expectations. Apprentice J. Molloy stated in his opinion, the filly had come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
GOLD REVOLUTION – Disadvantaged at the start when the barrier partitions were slow to open and subsequently lost ground.
 
ZOU ZOU ZOEIA – Approaching the 800m, when obtaining the lead, slackened the pace resulting in NO BETTER TIME becoming awkwardly placed on heels for several strides. Apprentice R. Thorburn was advised to exercise greater care. Approaching the 100m, Apprentice Thorburn dropped his near-side rein, resulting in the filly shifting out abruptly before being corrected. When questioned regarding the filly leading the event, Apprentice Thorburn stated after the filly began well, he elected to allow his mount to stride forward in the small field, and was of the opinion the filly had performed well when previously ridden in this manner. Stewards noted the explanation.
 
Following the running of Race 1, the track was upgraded to a Soft 5.
 
 
Race 2: ENSBEY ELECTRICAL MAIDEN HANDICAP (800m)
 
The start of this race was marginally delayed to hold for an interstate event.
 
BETTER EXCEED – Raced greenly throughout the event.
 
LITTLE VAIN – Began awkwardly.
 
FLY LIKE HELEN – Contacted on jumping. Raced keenly on the heels of LADY HURIBEL for some distance approaching the 700m. Apprentice O. Kendal was fined $500 under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using her whip on seven occasions, two more than permitted prior to the 100m.
 
I'M A TINY DANCER – Began awkwardly.
 
LAZULITE (NZ) – Performed below market expectations. Rider C. Bayliss stated the mare was not suited by the fast tempo, and his opinion would be better suited over further distances. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
LADY HURIBEL – Began awkwardly and contacted FLY LIKE HELEN.
 
DAYTONA GAL – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Apprentice T. Noble was fined $300 under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using her whip on seven occasions, two more than permitted prior to the 100m.
 
MISS DE BLAAS – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event. Apprentice S. McCann was fined $300 under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using her whip on eight occasions, three more than permitted prior to the 100m.
 
LIGHT UP THE DAWN – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
 
Race 3: PUNT123.BET BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP (1500m)
 
MILITARY KINGS – When questioned regarding the performance, Rider P. Hamblin stated the gelding was not suited by the lack of early pace in the event, however still proved disappointing when placed under pressure.
 
ELIZANO – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
EXPECTANT – Began only fairly. Momentarily crowded near the 200m when FLASH ZARIZ laid in.
 
SPIRIT'S CHARM – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Improved onto the heels of EXPECTANT approaching the 600m and obliged to be steadied.
 
ARCHER'S GAME – Performed below market expectations including a noticeable betting drift. Apprentice C. Sutherland stated the mare became awkward in its action approaching the 800m, and proved disappointing thereafter. Trainer M. Currie stated the stable had expected a forward showing and expressed disappointment with the performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer M. Currie was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
MY WHISTLEBLOWER – When questioned regarding the gelding settling further back than may have been expected, Apprentice J. Molloy stated after beginning neutral, he allowed his mount to settle when comfortable as the gelding had a tendency to over-race. Placed awkwardly on heels over the concluding stages.
 
SCAPINI – Began very awkwardly and lost ground.
 
FLASH ZARIZ – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight, momentarily crowding EXPECTANT near the 200m.
 
 
Race 4: HYNES NEWSAGENCY / W CAREY & SONS MEATS RATINGS BAND 0 - 60 HANDICAP (1350m)
 
SETHLANS – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages, before approaching the 700m, attempted to improve into a marginal run with insufficient room between the running rail and PHEEBLE’S SPIRIT and bumping the running rail on a number of occasions. Apprentice T. Noble was advised to exercise greater care and not attempt such runs. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
MR WANDJI – Trainer T. Dougall was fined $100 under LR35 for the late declaration of Apprentice E. Lang as the rider of the gelding. Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing at Ipswich on Sunday, 24 December 2023 and passed fit to start. Began awkwardly.
 
DREAM ENTITY – Late scratching at 8:50am on Stewards’ Orders due to communication issues with Racing Australia.
 
PHEEBLE'S SPIRIT – Steadied soon after jumping when awkwardly placed between runners. Rider J. Taylor was reprimanded under AR132(5) for using his whip on fifteen occasions throughout the event, one more than permitted.

ABB ROY – Momentarily steadied approaching the 800m when BEAN ROCKING shifted in to obtain a position with cover.
 
MISHANI SCANDAL – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
RINGO'S MAGIC – Began awkwardly.
 
 
Race 5:TREVOR SCHOORL MEMORIAL BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP (1100m)
 
BEEFEATERS – Bumped with CRAIGLEA ETNA approaching the 100m.
 
CRYMENOTEARS – Apprentice C. Sutherland was reprimanded under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using his whip on six occasions, one more than permitted prior to the 100m.
 
KOZANI – When attempting to obtain clear running rounding the home-turn, bumped with LICENCED AND READY. Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the home straight before shifting inwards abruptly momentarily inconveniencing STORY OF STELLA. Rider C. Bayliss was advised to exercise greater care. When questioned regarding the gelding settling further back in the field, in contrast to majority of its recent starts where the gelding had either led or obtained a prominent position, Rider C. Bayliss stated from the wide draw, it was intended to obtain a position with cover. The matter was adjourned to allow Stewards to question Trainer J. Bruce.
 
TOKYO SINS – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing at the Gold Coast on Saturday, 23 December 2023 and passed fit to start. Apprentice R. Thorburn dropped his whip inside the 200m.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have swelling in the off-hindleg. Co-trainer C. Geran was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
VOULAIT – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
RUSSIAN MINT – Held-up for clear running rounding the home-turn and in the early part of the home straight.                                                                                                 
 
STORY OF STELLA – Raced keenly in the early stages. Momentarily inconvenienced approaching the 100m when KOZANI attempted to obtain clear running. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
I LOVE THIS HIPPY – Trainer P. Webster advised prior to the event that Rider L. Tilley would be instructed to use the whip minimally throughout the event, as in the stable’s opinion, the gelding resents it. Mr Webster was reminded of his obligations of notifying such instructions at least 30 minutes prior to the race.
 
TECOMA STREET – Rider A. Spinks reported the gelding became awkward in its action approaching the 800m and never travelled comfortably thereafter. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying signs of tying up which required treatment. Trainer T. Cotsiopoulos was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to racing again.
 
HEART OF MARBLE – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
LICENCED AND READY – Bumped rounding the home-turn.
 
CRAIGLEA ETNA – Bumped with BEEFEATERS approaching the 100m.
 
 
Race 6: MAYDAN LIVESTOCK TPT/FREESTONE FEEDLOT MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP QUALIFIER OPEN HANDICAP (1200m)
 
CONSTANT FLIGHT – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
BUGALUGS – Performed below market expectations. Apprentice Z. Sprie could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
CIRCULARITY – Trainer L. Hatch was fined $100 under LR35 for the late declaration of Apprentice J. Molloy as the rider of the gelding.
 
ROLLINWITHTHEFLOW – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after being late on course due to transport difficulties and was passed fit to start. Rider A. Spinks pleaded guilty to a charge under AR131(b), in that he did fail to take all measures in riding his mount out to the finish. Jockey Spinks license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 12 days, commencing Friday, 5 January 2024, up to and including 16 January 2024. In assessing penalty, Stewards were satisfied that his actions had compromised his mount’s opportunity of finishing third, his guilty plea, and excellent record in relation to the rule. Jockey Spinks was advised of his rights to an appeal.

I PROMISE YOU – Raced wide and without cover for majority of the event.
 
MOSCINI – Began awkwardly.
 
MICRO – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
DOCTOR TEEKAY – Began awkwardly. Hung-out from the 800m and for the remainder of the event.
 
PARTY SPIRIT – Improved onto heels approaching the 300m and obliged to alter course to obtain clear running.
 
 
Race 7:TREVOR LOCKE MEMORIAL RATINGS BAND 0 - 60 HANDICAP (2000m)
 
KNEZE – Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, when attempting to obtain a position with cover, momentarily inconvenienced SEA TREASURES, who was obliged to steady. Rider P. Hamblin was advised to exercise greater care.
 
SEA TREASURES (NZ) – Momentarily steadied when becoming awkwardly placed on the heels of KNEZE approaching the winning post on the first occasion.
 
SKATER – Raced wide and without cover from the 500m when attempting to improve.
 
LEERY – Rider J. Stanley dropped his whip approaching the 100m.
 
LOUVRE LIL – Over-raced throughout the early and middle stages.
 
BOULT – When questioned regarding his decision to not remain on the rail leaving the 400m, which in turn allowed KNEZE to obtain a run to the inside of the gelding, Apprentice R. Thorburn stated in his opinion, the track conditions were proving more advantageous in the middle sections. He added in hindsight, that remaining closer to the rail, which would have prevented KNEZE, the eventual winner from obtaining a run to his inside would have proved more advantageous. Stewards noted the explanation. Apprentice Thorburn was reprimanded under AR132(6)(b) for using his whip above shoulder height on two occasions.
 
PRITI PIPER – Became under pressure approaching the 1200m, before commencing to give ground rapidly approaching the 800m, before being retired from the event at the 600m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be exhibiting cardiac arrythmia. Trainer W. Kropp was advised that full veterinary clearance including an ECG before a satisfactory barrier trial would be required prior to racing again. Furthermore, the mare was found to have bled from both nostrils for the first occasion. Trainer W. Kropp was further advised of the provisions of AR79(4), and the mare would now be suspended from racing for a period of 3 months. Trainer W. Kropp stable undertook to report back on the mare’s condition in coming days.
 
MT MORT SHARK (NZ) – Raced wide and without cover until being allowed to stride forward and obtain a position outside the leader approaching the 1200m.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 4 – J. Taylor – Whip Use – AR132(5) – Reprimand
Race 5 – Apprentice C. Sutherland – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Reprimand
Race 7 – Apprentice R. Thorburn - AR132(6)(b) – Reprimand
 
Fines
Race 2 – Apprentice T. Noble – Whip Use – AR132(7)(a)(ii) - $300
Race 2 – Apprentice S. McCann– Whip Use – AR132(7)(a)(ii) - $300
Race 2 – Apprentice O. Kendal – Whip Use – AR132(7)(a)(ii) - $500
Race 5 – T. Dougall – Late Rider (LR35) - $100
Race 6 – L. Hatch – Late Rider (LR35) - $100  

Suspensions
Race 6 – A. Spinks – Failure to ride mount out to the finish – AR131(b) – 12 days – January 5 2024 up to and including 16 January 2024
 
Race day injuries/illness
Apprentice T. Noble – left knee pain after exiting barriers awkwardly
 
Adjourned inquiries
Race 5 – KOZANI – Tactics adopted
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
TALANA, GOLD REVOLUTION, CAXTON CURVE, SUPER DUCK and BUGALUGS
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 3 – ARCHER’S GAME – Not to race – lame off-foreleg – Veterinary Clearance
Race 5 – TOKYO SINS – Not to Race – Swelling to off-hindleg – Veterinary Clearance
Race 5 – TECOMA STREET – Not to race – Tying up – Veterinary Clearance
Race 7 – PRITI PIPER – Not to Race – Cardiac Arrhythmia – First Occasion – Veterinary Clearance including ECG and Trial
 
Bleeders
Race 7 – PRITI PIPER – First Occasion (AR79(4)
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 2:8 LADY HURIBEL - Ms Colleen Krahnen (a3/51kg),
          13e ISLE OF BOOTY - Nozi Tomizawa
          15e MISS DE BLAAS - Ms Savannah McCann (a2/51kg),
          16e CAXTON CURVE - Karl Zechner
          18e LIGHT UP THE DAWN - Ms Lilli Barr (a2/51kg),
Race 4:5 SETHLANS - Ms Tamara Noble (a3/55kg),
          7 MR WANDJI - Ms Emily Lang (a0/51kg),
          15e ABB ROY - Ms Savannah McCann (a2/51kg),
          18e MISHANI SCANDAL - Ms Lilli Barr (a2/51kg),
          19e RINGO’S MAGIC - Ms Colleen Krahnen (a3/51kg),
Race 5:17e TECOMA STREET - Andrew Spinks
          19e HEART OF MARBLE - Ms Georgina Cartwright
          20e LICENCED AND READY - Kenji Yoshida
          22e CRAIGLEA ETNA - Jason Taylor
Race 6:4 CIRCULARITY - Jake Molloy (a0/56kg),
          5 ROLLINWITHTHEFLOW - Adam Spinks
          16e PARTY SPIRIT - Damien Thornton
Race 7:11 PRITI PIPER - Ms Heidi Gillie (a2/54kg),
          15e LITTLE JERRY - Ms Olivia Kendal (a1.5/52kg),
 
Late scratchings
Race 4, No. 13 DREAM ENTITY – Stewards at 8:50am
 
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.