QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT
DALBY
TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST 2026
WEATHER – Fine
TRACK RATING – Good 4
RAIL – +2m from 600m to 300m, True the remainder.
OFFICIALS
Stewards – A. Streckbein (Chair), B. Wright, D. Aurisch, S. Fletcher and Z. Lines
GENERAL
Apprentice R. O’Connell was issued a severe reprimand under the provisions of AR143(12)(b) for failing to provide his apprentice winning rides book.
Race 1 - RUGBY RACEDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2026 MAIDEN PLATE 1000 M
The start was delayed due to KERRIELLA being difficult to load. Trainer J. Sims was notified the mare would be required to obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.
ACES ARE GOOD – Trainer P. Wallace was fined the sum of $100 for failing to provide the Thoroughbred Identification Card when requested AR65. He was further notified the gelding will be unable to accept to race until a new card is issued. Rider L. Tilley was harmlessly dislodged enroute to the barriers. Rider L. Tilley reported that his mount raced greenly and changed lead legs on a number of occasions throughout the event.
BLUEY'S CHOICE - Raced wide without cover throughout.
GOODFELLA FINCH - Raced greenly throughout.
DIVINELLE - Raced keen early and over-raced in middle stages whilst be restrained.
MISS VELCRO - Rider H. Richardson reported her mount dipped near 600m. Stewards questioned H. Richardson in relation to her riding over the concluding stages, in particular if she had ridden her mount out to the finish. H. Richardson explained that over the concluding stages her mount was weakening and towards the winning post she was calling to J. Emmerson (SHAKDAM), who was shifting ground and as a result she stopped riding as she felt she may suffer interference. Although Stewards accepted H. Richardson’s evidence, advised her, where possible, to ride her mounts out fully to the finish.
Race 2 - MITTYS RACING COLOURS MAIDEN PLATE 1400 M
JAKEBRAKE – Raced without cover for majority.
LANGDOWN LEGACY - Race keen in early and middle stages. Held up for a short distance at the entrance to the straight then while attempting a doubtful run approaching 300m, clipped heels of MONAROMA and blundered. Apprentice J.Emmerson in the presence of apprentice coach R. Fradd was shown footage of the incident and advised to ensure there is sufficient racing room when attempting similar runs.
SKELDERGATE - Began awkwardly.
ZOUMAM - Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped PEARL DU JOUR. Rider L. Tilley reported that the gelding didn’t handle the tight turning Dalby track and will derive benefit from further racing.
KAIDA ODORI - Began awkwardly. Rider A. Butler reported that after beginning awkwardly he settled further back than intended on the mare.
MAGNETIC ISLAND - Lay out near the 400m. Rider M. Savva reported the mare raced ungenerously and felt uncomfortable in its action, she added it was difficult to ride and wanted to lay out from the 600m. Trainer V. Heading was notified a warning would be placed on mare’s racing manners. A post-race veterinary examination revealed harsh lung sounds that could be attributed to exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhaging.
MONAROMA - Raced keen in the early stages. When racing keenly near the 900m, shifted out and as a result raced wide without cover form the 800m.
ROSE OF CHANTILLY – Slow into stride.
PEARL DU JOUR - Began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped ZOUMAN. Approaching 400m checked when racing in restricted room between SKELDERGATE and MAGNETIC ISLAND, which shifted ground when laying out. Approaching 300m steadied when racing in restricted room between SLEDERGATE and MAGNETIC ISLAND, which continued to lay out.
Race 3 - BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO DALBY SAINTS SPRING FAIR RACEDAY 13TH SEPT 2026 BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP 1400 M
HOOT 'N' HOLLER - Dipped near the 500m.
ANARITA – Whilst entering the track made contact with the mounting yard gate and as a result underwent a veterinary examination on arrival to the barriers and was passed fit.
EXTRA HANDS – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
Following the running of this race the rider group expressed some concerns with the surface near the 500m where several horses had dipped. Stewards inspected the track and were satisfied that the surface was safe for racing and so the meeting continued as normal.
Race 4 - BOOK THE MARQUEE/DECK FOR YOUR PARTY CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1200 M
The start was delayed by approx. 2 minutes due to the Stallion Chain being used to assist BURLEIGH MAGIC in loading, being incorrectly fitted.
BURLEIGH MAGIC - Raced keen in the early stages. Inconvenienced near the 500m when close to the heels of DEEP TIARA, which had been steadied.
MISS DE MEDICI – Rider L. Tilley reported that his mount once obtaining clear running in the straight took some time to build before finishing off its race well.
ZARIPPA - Raced keenly in the early stages.
DEEP TIARA – Eased and became unbalanced near the 500m. Rider A. Butler reported that after suffering interference near the 500m, his mount failed to travel when placed under pressure and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
KICKATINALONG – Lost contact with the bulk of the field near the 800m, despite the efforts of its rider. Apprentice S. Bailey reported it was not the intention to be so far back, and the mare failed to handle the track conditions.
FINAL VOYAGE - Raced keenly early and wide from the 800m.
MASTER MIYAGI - Raced keen early and then over-raced in middle stages.
COSTA CATORI - Apprentice S. Tierney reported her mount lay in throughout.
Apprentice S. Tierney (COSTA CATORI) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) in that near the 500m, she failed to make sufficient effort to prevent her mount shifting in and tightening the running of DEEP TIARA, which was eased and lost its rightful running. Apprentice S. Teirney licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 days, commencing midnight 16th August to 24th August 2026. When considering penalty, account was taken of her guilty plea, record and the QRIC Careless Riding Guidelines.
Race 5 - CRITERION HOTEL DALBY 0 - 58 HANDICAP 1400 M
IL CUBO – Co-Trainer C. Geran was reprimanded for presenting the gelding to the enclosure without its tongue tie, part of its approved gear. Reared when the gates opened. Raced keenly in the early stages. Over the concluding stages improved close to the heels of INVISIBLE TARGET and was steadied.
ZOUSLAYER – Underwent a veterinary examination after racing at Ipswich on 7th August.Began awkwardly and lost ground. Raced keenly in the early stages. Hung out from the 600m. Trainer V. Venkaya was notified a warning would be placed on the gelding for hanging out. Took charge passed the winning post and became difficult to return to the mounting yard. Rider D. McGillivray dismounted and to avoid a delay in correct weight, Stewards exercised their powers under the provisions of AR208(3)(b) and declared correct weight in his absences. On return to the mounting yard D. McGillveray reported his mount proved difficult to return to scales and when he became concerned with ZOUSLAYER, he dismounted. QAS assessed D. McGillveray and passed him fit to fulfil his remaining engagements. A post-race veterinary examination of ZOUSLAYER identified the presence of blood at one nostril. Trainer V. Venkaya was advised that ZOUSLAYER will be required to undergo a satisfactory gallop of at least 1000 metres in the presence of a Steward before racing again in accordance with AR79(8). V. Venkaya reported that it was his intention to spell ZOUSLAYER.
JACKS AND SODA – Raced keenly early. Over raced in the middle stages. Whilst over-racing, eased near 1100m when close to the heels of IL CUBO.
CAUSEWAYS – Laid out under pressure in the straight.
WHITTAKER – laid out under pressure from the 600m.
THIEF BY NIGHT – Raced keen early.
HEROIC BEACH – Rider A. Keeley reported the gelding failed to travel throughout and when placed under pressure made an abnormal respiratory sound and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed cardiac arrhythmia for the first time. HEROIC BEACH must not start in a further race, official trial or jump-out until the Stewards have received a satisfactory report from a qualified veterinary surgeon which includes the results of (a) an electrocardiography (ECG) of more than 60 seconds duration performed by that veterinarian whilst the horse is at rest and (b) a cardiac auscultation performed by that veterinarian within 15 minutes of the horse completing a satisfactory gallop of at least 1000m.
Race 6 - D&NDJC LIFE MEMBERS RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP 1400 M
KNOWITALL FRANK – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing at Toowoomba August 8th and was passed fit. Rider G. Geran reported after beginning only fairly settled further back than intended. He added that his mount responded well to his riding in the early part of the straight but was only even over the concluding stages.
AUSSIE ADAPTOR – Slow to begin. Near the 1100m was eased when closed to heels.
VON BEE (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the lead. Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages.
FLYING CELICA – Slow to begin.
THIEM – Slow into stride then hampered by VON BEE, which had commenced awkwardly.
KHANT FAIL (NZ) – Hung out for the majority and weakened from the 300m. Trainer A. Park was notified a warning would be placed on the mare for its racing manners. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
APPARATE – Had some difficulty obtaining clear running at the entrance to the straight before shifting in near the 300m.
Race 7 - DALBY DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP 1000 M
Prior to correct weight Stewards identified that stall 10, which EGYPITIAN’S REWARD occupied, failed to open simultaneously with the other barriers as the start was affected. Stewards interviewed rider B. Lerena and trainer D. Rodgers where application was made for EGYPITIAN’S REWARD to be deemed a non-starter due to the malfunction of the barriers. After reviewing all available footage Stewards were of the opinion that EGYPITIAN'S REWARD was denied a fair start due to the delay in the barriers opening which materially prejudiced the chances of the mare finishing in the first 4, as a result declared EGYPTIAN’S REWARD a non-starter under the provisions of AR204(1)(c). Announcements were made to this effect and on the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered all bets on EGYPTIAN’S REWARD to be refunded in full with the following deductions to apply:
1st ZAVEGA 19c w, 11c p
2nd BEACHSIDE BABE 22c p
3rd MAJESTIC LOURVE 15c p
The barriers were then tested on a number of occasions, where there was no fault detected and the meeting was able to continue.
GOOD ONYA CHAMP – Laid out under pressure rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight. Near the 200m shifted out making contact with ZAVEGA.
GANDALF – Began very awkwardly, throwing its head up striking apprentice I. Jessop unbalancing her and as a result was slow into stride. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
MASTER NED – Slow to begin.
PRINCE OF DIAMONDS – Clipped ZAVEGA’s heels near the 800m, blundered and became extremely unbalanced loosing considerably ground (J. Emmerson). A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
EGYPITIAN'S REWARD – When the start was affected, the front gates failed to open in unison with the rest of the field and as a consequence the mare began awkwardly and lost ground.
ROCKY BLONDE – Bounded at the start. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
ZAVEGA – Near the 500m, steadied when racing in restricted room between GOOD ONYA CHAMP and BEACHSIDE BABE, both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 200m, steadied when tightened between BEACHSIDE BABE and GOOD ONYA CHAMP (G. Geran), which shifted out slightly. Rider G. Geran was reprimanded for careless riding under AR131(a).
Apprentice J. Emmerson (ZAVEGA) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) in that passing the 800m, she permitted her mount to shift in when not clear, resulting in PRINCE OF DIAMONDS clipping the heel of ZAVEGA, blundering and losing considerable ground. Apprentice J. Emmerson’s licence to ride in races was suspended for 15 days, commencing midnight 11th August to 26th August 2026. When considering penalty, account was taken of her record, guilty plea and of the QRIC Careless Riding Guidelines.
Race 8 - PSP RACING COLOURS BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1000 M
MR WANDJI – Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
DUSAN – Tightened at the start and badly hampered when SAPANA’S PEARL shifted out abruptly.
ZA HIDDEN DRAGON – Laid in under pressure.
BOOGA RAY – Began awkwardly. Near the 800m, bumped and carried out by SAPANA’S PEARL.
VESPER LYND - Tightened at the start and badly hampered between runners.
ELECTROMAGNETIC – Began awkwardly.
SAPANA'S PEARL - Shifted out abruptly at the start. Near the 800m shifted out and away from ZA HIDDEN DRAGON. Steadied out across the heels of ELECTROMAGNETIC near the 500m when in restricted room.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
Summary of action concerning licensees
Reprimands
R. O’Connell – Severe reprimand - AR143(12)(b) – Failure to provide apprentice book
Race 5. – Reprimand - Co trainer C. Geran – AR106 – Tongue tie not applied when presented to race.
Race 7. G. Geran - Reprimand – AR131(a) - Careless
Fines
Race 1. P. Wallace - AR65 Failure to provide Thoroughbred Identification Card, first starter $100
Suspensions
Race 4. S. Tierney – AR131(a) – Careless - Midnight 16 August - Midnight 24 August.
Race 7. J. Emmerson – AR131(a) – Careless – Midnight 11 August - Midnight 26 August.
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses sampled pre-race
BOOGA RAY, KNOWITALL FRANK, ZOUSLAYER, SKELDERGATE, REEVACITY
Horses sampled post-race
All winners
Warnings/bars
Race 1. KERRIELLA – Difficult to load, further barrier certificate
Race 2. MAGNETIC ISLAND – Racing manners, warned
Race 5. ZOUSLAYER – Hung out, warned
Race 5. ZOUSLAYER – 1 nostril bled, 1000m gallop, suspended
Race 5. HEROIC BEACH – Cardiac arrythmia (1st time), suspended
Race 6. KANT FAIL – Hung out, warned
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 5. Zouslayer – D. McGillveray
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.