QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT
DOOMBEN
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2026
 
 
WEATHER – Overcast      TRACK RATING – Good 4           RAIL – +4.5m Entire
PENETROMETER – 6.18

OFFICIALS

Chairperson – J. Adams
Stewards – G. Goold, J. Williamson, A. Dowsett, K. Robbins, H. Matthews
Clerk of Scales – P. Reardon

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
SIRKEL - Sunshine Coast Turf Club Saturday 24 January 2026
Stewards finalised an inquiry into the reasons for SIRKEL blundering and dislodging rider R. Dolan near the 400m. After taking evidence on the day from riders D. Moor (ESTRONDO), L. Tilley (SIZZLING GAL) and A. Mallyon (BRAVELY), stewards adjourned the matter until R. Dolan was fit to give evidence. After hearing evidence from R. Dolan and upon reviewing the available footage, Stewards determined that at a point approaching the 400m, SIRKEL (R. Dolan) began to shift wider from a position behind ESTRONDO (D. Moor) and in doing so, the offside front leg of SIRKEL clipped the near hind leg of ESTRONDO causing SIRKEL to blunder and dislodged rider R. Dolan. As a result of blundering, SIRKEL fractured its near side shoulder and was subsequently humanely euthanised by the on course veterinary official. Stewards in assessing all the evidence could not apportion the cause of the incident to either rider D. Moor or Rider R. Dolan riding in a careless manner and therefore finalised the inquiry as an unfortunate racing incident.
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards inspected the track and upgraded it to a Good 4 at 10:29am.
 
Race 1 -STAGE & SCREEN TRAVEL SERVICES BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP      1630 M
 
LUTON HOO (NZ) – Bumped with MOSTRO on jumping away. Over-raced in the early stages whilst being restrained to obtain a position with cover.

BLUEPINOT - Connections advised a change of tactics - settle further back. Settled midfield. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
PIPISTRELLE – Over-raced in the early stages and was permitted to stride forward to the lead leaving the 1200m. Continued to race keenly in the middle stages. Apprentice J. Williams advised it was not his intention to lead however, when the mare commenced to over-race near the 1300m, he permitted it to stride forward and lead from the 1200m. Apprentice J. Williams, in the presence of riding master P. Shailer, pleaded guilty and was charged pursuant to AR132(6)(b)for using his whip on three occasions in a manner that it above shoulder height. Apprentice J. Williams’ license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 days commencing midnight 11th August and concluding midnight 18th August 2026. Apprentice J. Williams was advised of his right of appeal. Stewards, when considering penalty took into consideration that this was his 15th breach of the rule in the past 12 months.
 
MOSTRO - Bumped with LUTON HOO (NZ) on jumping away. Jockey M. Rodd could offer no explanation for today’s disappointing performance. Lost its near fore plate.
 
THINKING GOLD – Jockey A. Butler reported that in his opinion, THINKING GOLD was not suited to the fast early tempo of today’s race. He further added that the gelding was unable to make ground when placed under pressure.

CLIVE'S GLORY – Laid out under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be coughing. Trainer B. Healy was advised that a veterinary certificate inclusive of endoscopic results would be required prior to racing again. Trainer B. Healy advised that CLIVE’S GLORY would now be sent for a spell.

WATERMELON - When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey J. Bayliss reported that the gelding never travelled comfortably and proved disappointing.

SLIPSAIN – Slow to begin.


Race 2 - CLIMATE RENTAL SOLUTIONS BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP   2200 M

CORMAC T (GB) – Apprentice J. McMurray was fined $500 and pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m, one of which was in consecutive strides, but less than 12 times in totality.

BENZINO – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.

SAN GABRIEL (NZ) - Held up approaching the home turn.

ARTFUL GIRL - Approaching the 800m, when the pace of the race slackened, shifted three wide in order to improve.
 
KERKORIAN – Contacted the rail leaving the mounting yard. Underwent a veterinary examination behind the barriers and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly and lost ground. Near the 800m, improved onto heels and had to be steadied when the pace of the race slackened.  Shifted wider leaving the 700m in order to improve.

SCOTTISH PEARL (IRE) – Inconvenienced and carried wider rounding the home turn. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey R. Dolan reported that after being trapped wide early, he was obliged to settle further back than anticipated, which in his opinion did not suit the mare. He further added that SCOTTISH PEARL (IRE) was up in grade since its last start.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.          


Race 3 - TANDA OPEN HANDICAP       2030 M
 
YET HE MOVES – Connections advised a change of tactics – settle more forward. Slow to begin and as a result settled back of midfield. Laid out rounding the home turn. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey B. Thompson reported that in his opinion, the gelding was not suited to the slow tempo of today’s race and proved disappointing when placed under pressure. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SPEYCASTER (GB) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame on its near foreleg. Trainer T. Pollard was advised that a veterinary certificate would be required prior to racing again.

THE RIGHT WAY (NZ) – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.       
 
CAVALRY MAN – Leaving the 200m, commenced to shift in before being corrected. Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
FARNBOROUGH (IRE) – Raced wide until the 1500m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame on its off foreleg. Trainer K. Clark-Peoples was advised that a veterinary certificate would be required prior to racing again.


Race 4 - ALL-PLUMB QLD QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP   1200 M

SLIPPIN' AWAY – Bumped with CASCADING on jumping away. Shortly after the start had its hindquarters turned and became unbalanced. Laid out leaving the 700m. When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice B. Youngberry reported that the gelding failed to respond when placed under pressure and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery and clinical signs of the thumps. Trainer A. Campton advised Stewards that the gelding would now be sent for a spell.

SYRIAN DIAMOND – Slow to begin. Shortly after the start was tightened for room and had to be steadied by HOT IMAGE, which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. Lost its near hind plate.
 
HIDDEN WHISPER – Raced wide throughout. When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice L. Martyn reported that in her opinion the filly may not have appreciated today’s racing surface. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
CASCADING – Bumped with SLIPPIN' AWAY on jumping away.

Race 5 - SKY RACING COLTS, GELDINGS AND ENTIRES CLASS 3 PLATE     1200 M
 
ABENDER – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Over-raced in the early stages. Laid out whilst over-racing passing the 800m. Leaving the 600m, laid out, becoming awkwardly placed at the heels of BLAZING HARRY and was obliged to steady. Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages. When asked to comment on the performance Apprentice B. Youngberry reported that ABENDER raced very greenly throughout and suggested to connections the addition of blinkers. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainers’ representative C. Cavanagh was advised that ABENDER would now be required to officially trial prior to racing again.

STORMLAND (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Obliged to steady leaving the 800m when racing between ABENDER and MELTDOWN. Near the 500m, had to be steadied when placed in restricted room between TEN GOOD REASONS (NZ), which shifted out and TORO STRIKE. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey R. Dolan reported that the gelding settled further back than anticipated and failed to travel comfortably. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
TEN GOOD REASONS (NZ) - Began awkwardly and lost ground. Laid out in the middle stages. Near the 450m, had to be steadied after improving onto the heels of ABENDER. Obliged to steady leaving the 200m to the inside of ABENDER, which shifted in and away from STORMLAND (NZ) which improved to its outside      
 
TORO STRIKE – Began awkwardly. Raced wide.       


Race 6 - NATIONAL JOCKEY'S TRUST FILLIES AND MARES CLASS 3 PLATE     1200 M

HEY DAISY - Bumped shortly after the start by SPIRIT OF BARTY.

THATS ARCHIES GIRL – Bumped with SEQUEL on jumping away.

EXUBERANCE (NZ) – Began awkwardly and bumped SPIRIT OF BARTY. Raced fiercely in the early stages and proved difficult to settle. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainers representative C. Cavanagh was advised that EXUBERANCE (NZ) would be required to officially trial prior to racing again.
 
SEQUEL – Bumped with THATS ARCHIES GIRL on jumping away. Laid in under pressure approaching the 150m before being corrected by its rider. Jockey T. Fenlon pleaded guilty and was fined $500 pursuant to AR132(6)(b)for using her whip on five occasions in a manner that raised it above shoulder height. Jockey T. Fenlon was advised of her right to appeal.
 
SPIRIT OF BARTY – Began awkwardly and bumped EXUBERANCE (NZ) and HEY DAISY.

AUTUMNGIRL – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Raced in restricted room over the concluding stages.
 
BEREZKA - Approaching the 100m, momentarily raced in restricted room to the inside of SEQUEL.

 
Race 7 - HAPPY HORSES' BIRTHDAY BENCHMARK 85 HANDICAP   1630 M
 
DAGGERS – Reared as the start was effected and lost ground. Raced wide in the early stages before being permitted to stride forward and take up a leading position near the 1200m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.

NORTH POLE – Resaddled upon arrival at the barriers. Over-raced in the early stages.

CUNNAMULLA FELLA – Shifted out rounding the home turn and bumped
PERFECT PLAY (GB). Raced in restricted room inside the final 200m.

LUPINE (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Over-raced in the early stages. Improved onto heels near the 1400m whilst over-racing and shifted out. Commenced to hang out from the 800m and took no competitive part in today’s race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed abrasions to the gelding’s mouth. Trainer K. Clark - Peoples was advised that a veterinary certificate and official trial would be required prior to racing again.

PERFECT PLAY (GB) – Bumped rounding the home turn by CUNNAMULLA FELLA which shifted out. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Raced in restricted room inside the final 200m.

KIPLING'S JOURNEY– Connections advised of a change of tactics – attempt to settle back from the wide barrier. Ridden accordingly. Began awkwardly. Inconvenienced and forced wider leaving the 1400m.


Race 8 - XXXX OPEN HANDICAP         1110 M
 
HATCHET – Improved onto heels approaching the winning post and was unable to be fully tested to the finishing line.
 
KING KAPA – Raced wide. Apprentice B. Youngberry was reprimanded pursuant to AR132(6)(b)for using her whip on three occasions in a manner that it above shoulder height. Stewards, in determining penalty took into consideration that this was Apprentice B. Youngberry’s first breach of the rule.

TALTARNI FIELDS – Raced in restricted room approaching the 900m and as a result bumped with COSMIC FIRE. Apprentice J. McMurray was fined $200 pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(i) for using his whip in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.

COSMIC FIRE – Bumped near the 900m. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey C. Graham reported that the gelding never travelled comfortably and was disappointing when asked for an effort upon straightening. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
HURTS SO GOOD – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
 
TOWN CRIER – Connections advised a change of tactics – settle further back. Ridden accordingly. Slow to begin. Had difficulty obtaining clear running on entering the home straight. Obliged to alter course near the 150m. Approaching the 100m, raced in restricted room.
 
LET'SFACETHEMUSIC - Began awkwardly and lost ground. Over-raced in the early stages. Near the 600m, when over-racing, became awkwardly placed at heels and was obliged to shift out. Raced wide. Jockey M. Du Plessis reported at scale that LET'SFACETHEMUSIC failed to muster early gate speed and was obliged to settle further back than anticipated. He further added that in his opinion the gelding resented racing at the back of field.
 
ZOUBABY - Began awkwardly and lost ground. Raced wide.

Race 9 - LADBROKES SWITCH BENCHMARK 85 HANDICAP          1350 M
 
BOOM TORQUE – Began awkwardly. Over-raced for a short distance leaving the 900m. Improved onto heels near the 450m and had to be steadied.
 
MANOLO BLING - Bumped on the hindquarters by TORNADO EXPRESS near the 300m and became unbalanced. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.  Trainer K. Schweida advised Stewards that MANOLO BLING would now be retired.
 
BEAUX RUMBLE – Improved onto heels approaching the 800m when the pace of the race slackened and shifted out. Raced three wide from that point onwards.
 
NOBLE CONQUEROR - Bumped at the start. When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance, Trainers representative B. Killion reported that the gelding had been pleasing in its work since resuming from a spell and was confident of a forward showing today, however, was surprised by the turn of foot shown late.
 
ITALIAN RIVIERA – Hampered shortly after the start.

TOO MANY THOUGHTS – Held up from the 250m until the 50m.

CARRAVILLA – Bumped at the start. Raced wide throughout.         
 
TORNADO EXPRESS – Bumped shortly after the start and became unbalanced. Near the 300m, shifted out and bumped MANOLO BLING.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 8: Apprentice B. Youngberry - Whip above shoulder height – AR 132(6)(b) – Reprimand.

Fines
Race 2: Apprentice J. McMurray – Use of whip - AR132(7)(a)(ii) - $500 fine.
Race 6: Jockey T. Fenlon – Whip above shoulder height – AR 132(6)(b) - $500 fine.
Race 8: Apprentice J. McMurray – Consecutive use of whip prior to 100m - AR132(7)(a)(i) - $200 fine.
 
Suspensions
Race 1: Apprentice J. Williams – Whip above shoulder height - AR 132(6)(b) – 7 day suspension commencing m/n 11/08/26 and concluding m/n 18/08/26.
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
PIPISTRELLE, THINKING GOLD, STRANGLEHOLD, CORMAC T, BENZINO, YET HE MOVES, THE RIGHT WAY, CAVALRY MAN, LUPINE.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1: 7. CLIVE’S GLORY – Coughing – Veterinary certificate inclusive of endoscopic results.
Race 3: 3. SPEYCASTER (GB) – Lame near foreleg – Veterinary certificate.
Race 3: 9. FARNBOROUGH (IRE) – Lame off foreleg) – Veterinary certificate.
Race 5: 1. ABENDER – Racing manners – Official trial.
Race 6: 6. EXUBERANCE (NZ) – Racing manners – Official trial.
Race 7: 5. LUPINE – Abrasions to mouth – Veterinary certificate and official trial.

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.