QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

BRISBANE RACING CLUB
EAGLE FARM
 
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025

WEATHER – Fine             TRACK RATING –   Soft 5           RAIL – +7m entire
PENETROMETER – 5.85

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – J. Adams
Stewards – P. Zimmermann, K. Lemay-Robbins, A. Dowsett, T. Hendy (Cadet)

GENERAL
 
As Jockey D. Thornton was not riding due to transportation difficulties, changes were made as per the race day summary.

As Apprentice B. Wheeler was unable to make the allocated weight in Race 1, he was replaced on BUNDEENA by Jockey C. Graham. Apprentice B. Wheeler found guilty pursuant to AR 190(3) for accepting a ride when overweight. Apprentice B. Wheelers’ license to ride in races was suspended for 7 days commencing midnight the 29th of August and concluding midnight the 5th of September. Apprentice B. Wheeler was advised of his right to appeal.
 
Trainer P. Shailer was fined $100 under LR67(1) for the late declaration of Apprentice J. Franklin as the rider of TWIGMAN in Race 3.
 
Trainer L. Peoples was fined $200 pursuant to LR 36(6)(a) for failing to scratch dual acceptor HALF LISTENING by the prescribed time.
 
Following the running of Race 8, Jockey J. Bayliss was examined by the club doctor after becoming unwell and stood down from his remaining riding engagements. Jockey J. Bayliss was advised a medical certificate would be required prior to racing again. Changes were made as per the race day summary.
 
 
Race 1: BECOME A BRC MEMBER BENCHMARK 90 HANDICAP         1000 M

FRILLED – Slow into stride.
 
BUNDEENA – Laid in under pressure in the home straight. When asked to comment on the below market performance of BUNDEENA, Jockey C. Graham reported that in her opinion the gelding may not have appreciated today’s track conditions. Trainers representative J. Morris concurred. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SIMBU – Had difficulty obtaining clear running on entering the home straight until passing the 150m. Approaching the winning post, became awkwardly placed at the heels of PARTY FOR TWO.
 

Race 2: COUNTRY MUSIC RACEDAY 6 SEPTEMBER QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP    1200 M

WHISPERING ROGUE – Shifted out on jumping away.
 
FOREIGN PRESS – Laid out throughout. Hung out when placed under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
 
IMPERVIOUS – Raced wide in the early stages and was permitted to stride forward and take up a leading position near the 1000m. Passing the 200m, shifted out and away from FOREIGN PRESS.
 
STATEMENT OF TRUTH – Began awkwardly. When questioned regarding the  gelding not leading in today’s event and in particular passing the 1000m where he allowed IMPERVIOUS to improve and take up a leading position, Jockey D. Turner stated that he was instructed today that it is the intention of the stable to step STATEMENT OF TRUTH up in distance and that the preference would be to attempt to ride the gelding with cover. With that in mind and with IMPERVIOUS improving to his outside, Jockey D. Turner elected to restrain his mount to take up a position behind the leader. When questioned, Trainer P. Shailer confirmed the instructions and comments. Stewards reminded Trainer P. Shailer of his obligations pursuant to AR 100(1)(a) in that he must inform Stewards of any potential tactic changes prior to the race. After being crossed passing the 1000m, commenced to over race. Passing the 600m had to be steadied after improving onto the heels of IMPERVIOUS. Obliged to alter course when approaching the winning post to avoid the heels of FOREIGN PRESS, which shifted out under pressure.
 
OUR MATE LOCKY – Began awkwardly and lost ground.

MISS ADRIFT – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Had difficulty obtaining clear running on entering the home straight. Passing the 300m, was obliged to shift out to obtain clear running, Passing the 200m had to be steadied to avoid the heels of IMPERVIOUS which shifted out and away from FOREIGN PRESS, which shifted out under pressure. Jockey C. Graham, the rider of FOREIGN PRESS was reprimanded for allowing her mount to shift ground and advised that in similar circumstances to stop and straighten her mount. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a minor tongue abrasion.
 

Race 3: TRACKSIDE WITH RICKY PONTING BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP        2206 M

BENGAL BOY – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
 
KHOR (NZ) – Bumped with CELESTIAL FURY (NZ) shortly after the start. Raced in restricted room passing the winning post on the first occasion when tightened for room by BACKLIT BEAUTY, which was carried in by CELESTIAL FURY (NZ), which shifted in abruptly to obtain cover. Jockey A. Jones, the rider of CELESTIAL FURY (NZ) was advised to exercise greater care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 300m, was obliged to take hold and lost its rightful running to avoid the heels of OLD SONG, which shifted out under riding when insufficiently clear. Jockey R. Dolan the rider of OLD SONG was found guilty pursuant AR 131(a) for careless riding, the particulars of the charge being that passing the 300m, he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of KHOR (NZ) which as a result was obliged to take hold and lost its rightful running. Jockey R. Dolan’s license to ride in races was suspended for 12 days commencing midnight the 1st of September and concluding midnight 13th of September. Jockey R. Dolan was advised of his right to appeal.A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
 
GUARDED OPTIMIST (NZ) – Over-raced for a short distance passing the winning post on the first occasion whilst being restrained to obtain cover behind THE IRISH (IRE).
 
MISTRESSOFILLUSION (IRE) – Began awkwardly and shifted in.
 
ALDEENAARY (IRE) – Held up for clear running on entering the home straight. Raced in restricted room for a short distance approaching the 300m.
 
THE IRISH (IRE) – Bumped with CELESTIAL FURY (NZ) shortly after the start. A post-race veterinary examination revealed heat stress.
 
BITOFTHEBLARNEY (NZ) – Jockey J. Bayliss reported that in his opinion the gelding may have been disadvantaged after being pressured throughout by THE IRISH (IRE), which was racing to his outside. He further added that BITOFTHEBLARNEY (NZ) began to weaken upon straightening. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Lost its near fore plate.
 
CELESTIAL FURY (NZ) – Bumped shortly after the start.
 
OLD SONG – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Approaching the 300m, commenced to shift out under riding.
 
BACKLIT BEAUTY – Raced wide throughout. Momentarily inconvenienced approaching the 100m by AKKADIAN EMPEROR (IRE), which shifted out abruptly when insufficiently clear. Jockey H. Van Der Hoven the rider of AKKADIAN EMPEROR (IRE) was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding.
 
AKKADIAN EMPEROR (IRE) – Passing the 150m after becoming awkwardly placed at heels, shifted out abruptly to obtain clear running.

Race 4: DARUNEE HILL 10 YEARS OF SERVICE FILLIES & MARES BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP         1200 M

QUEEN OF THE MILE – Passing the 800m, shifted in under riding. Near the 250m, shifted out marginally, contacting JUST PRECIOUS, causing its hindquarters to be turned and losing ground. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Lost its off-hind plate in running.
 
TIJUANA TWO STEP – Began awkwardly. Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Passing the 800m, had to be steadied to avoid the heels of QUEEN OF THE MILE. Apprentice J. McMurray the rider of QUEEN OF THE MILE pleaded guilty to a charge under AR 131(a) for allowing his mount to shift ground when insufficiently clear of TIJUANA TWO STEP when passing the 800m, causing TIJUANA TWO STEP to have to be steadied to avoid his heels and lose its rightful running. Apprentice J. McMurray’s license to ride in races was suspended for 8 days commencing midnight the 23rd of August and concluding midnight the 31st of August. Apprentice J. McMurray was advised of his right to appeal.  Shifted in marginally passing the 250m, bumping JUST PRECIOUS.
 
GOSPEL GIRL – Had to be steadied shortly after jumping to avoid the heels of TRANQUIL BAY, which rolled in.
.
TARA JASMINE – Slow to begin.
 
DISNEY CASTLE – Obliged to alter course passing the 250m and shifted out to obtain clear running.
 
JUST PRECIOUS – Hampered shortly after the start. Approaching the 800m had to be steadied off heels when the pace of the race slackened. Approaching the 250m, was severely hampered when racing in restricted room between TIJUANA TWO STEP and QUEEN OF THE MILE both which shifted ground slightly.
 
TRY EVERYTHING – Shifted out on jumping.

Race 5: XXXX CLASS 3 PLATE    1600 M
 
Correct weight was delayed to allow Jockey R. Jamieson the rider of the 6th placed MORE LOVE to view the official photo finish. After doing so, Jockey R. Jamieson elected not lodge an objection and correct weight was declared.
 
RAZORS – Jockey B. Thompson reported that RAZORS travelled well until the 400m, however when asked for an effort, the gelding failed to respond to riding and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.

YOU AND I (NZ) – Trainer J. Morris advised Stewards that the stable would now put consideration into spelling the gelding.
 
MAKE A CALL – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
TREVENSON – Passing the 500m had to be steadied when the pace of the race slackened.
 
MORE LOVE – Began awkwardly.
 
SIMPLY AMAZING – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
 
CLASSIQUE GAL – Slow to begin.
 
Race 6: SPRING CARNIVAL ON SALE NOW OPEN HANDICAP - WEIGHTS RAISED 1.5KG 1600 M

CHRYSAOR – Connections advised of a change of tactics in that CHRYSAOR would attempt to be ridden more forward. Ridden accordingly.
 
ENCODER – Became awkwardly placed at heels passing the 1100m. Laid in over the concluding stages.
 
UZZIAH – Jockey J. Bayliss could offer no explanation for today’s disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainer S. Aspery advised that the gelding may not have appreciated today’s soft track conditions and would now be sent for a spell.
 
BATTLETON – Over-raced in the early and middle stages.
 
NORTHERN DECREE (NZ) – Laid out under pressure in the home straight. Became awkwardly placed at the heels of ENCODER approaching the winning post when that runner shifted in. Apprentice J. McMurray the rider of ENCODER was advised to exercise greater care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
 
 
Race 7: EAGLE FARM 160 YEARS RACEDAY BENCHMARK 85 HANDICAP        1835 M

FLASH AAH – Began awkwardly. Passing the 1100m, momentarily inconvenienced by YET HE MOVES, which shifted in before being corrected.
 
KETTLE HILL (GB) - Connections advised of a change of tactics in that KETTLE HILL (GB) would attempt to be ridden more forward. Ridden accordingly.
 
YET HE MOVES - Connections advised of a change of tactics in that YET HE MOVES would attempt to be ridden more forward. Shifted out on jumping and settled further back. Over-raced in the early and middle stages.
 
BARAZIN (IRE) – Slow to begin.
 
POINT COUNTERPOINT – Hampered leaving the 200m and had to be steadied to avoid the heels of HALF LISTENING (USA) which shifted in under riding. Jockey R. Dolan the rider of HALF LISTENING (USA) was advised to exercise greater care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
 
HABEEBAH (FR) – Raced in restricted room approaching the winning post between JUST FLYING and HALF LISTENING (USA) which shifted in under hard riding. Jockey R. Dolan the rider of HALF LISTENING (USA) was advised to stop and straighten his mount from shifting ground in similar circumstances.
 
HALF LISTENING (USA) – Slow into stride. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 

Race 8: SKY RACING NO METRO WINS HANDICAP         1400 M

DEEP FOCUS (NZ) – Jumped away awkwardly and failed to muster early gate speed. When asked to comment on the performance of DEEP FOCUS (NZ), Jockey D. Turner reported that in his opinion the gelding may not appreciate today’s track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainer P. Shailer commented that after being slow away and having to do additional work early to maintain contact with the main body of the field, may have attributed to the geldings disappointing finishing efforts. He added that he would look to add further education to the geldings barrier manners. Trainer P. Shailer advised that he would report back on the condition of DEEP FOCUS(NZ) in the days subsequent.
 
THE CATCH – Raced wide throughout.
 
KADALL – When asked to comment on the performance of KADALL, Jockey H. Van Der Hoven reported that gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages, however when placed under pressure, failed to respond to riding and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainers’ representative T. Pollard advised that he would report back on the condition of KADALL in the days subsequent.
 
LARRIKIN ROGUE – Slow to begin. Held up for clear running on entering the home straight. Near the 350m, shifted out, carrying LAVONI wider. Passing the 300m, was momentarily inconvenienced after shifting out and contacting LAVONI, resulting in LARRIKIN ROGUE becoming awkward in its stride.
 
LAVONI – Raced wide throughout. Carried wider on entering the home straight. Passing the 300m shifted in, contacting LARRIKIN ROGUE, resulting in LAVONI becoming awkward in its stride.
 

Race 9: LADBROKES MATES MODE POTS COLTS, GELDINGS & ENTIRES BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP         1200 M

VIMINELE – Slow to begin.
 
DON PEDRO – Crowded and lost ground shortly after the start.
 
BEAUTANTES – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
ZELGARIA – Passing the 800m commenced to over-race after improving onto the heels of STAR AMBITION.
 
BONDED AFFAIR – Slow to begin. Approaching the 700m, after the pace of the race slackened commenced to race fiercely, shifted out contacting SHELSTEIN. Had difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200m and was obliged to shift in to improve over the final 100m. Jockey M. Harley reported at scale that his mount had a tendency to over-race.
 
MOB BUSTER – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after resuming from an extended spell and was cleared to race. Began awkwardly and shifted in.
 
STAR AMBITION – Shifted in on jumping away.
 
SHELSTEIN – Slow to begin. Hampered and carried wider passing the 700m.
 
KEEP SAFE – Commenced to over-race after being crossed near the 1000m. Approaching the 150m was obliged to alter course and shift in to obtain clear running.
 
DEFERENTIAL – Slow to begin and was hampered shortly after the start.



STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 1: Jockey C. Graham - AR 131(a) – Careless riding – Reprimand.
Race 3: Jockey H. Van Der Hoven – AR 131(a) – Careless riding – Severe reprimand.

Fines
Race 3: Trainer P. Shailer – LR67(1) – Late declaration of rider - $100 fine.
Race 7: Trainer L. Peoples - LR36(6)(a) – Failing to scratch dual acceptor - $200 fine.

Suspensions
Race 1: Apprentice B. Wheeler – AR 190(3) – Accepting a ride when overweight – 7 day suspension – commencing m/n 29/08/25 and concluding m/n 05/09/25.
Race 3: Jockey R. Dolan – AR 131(a) – Careless riding – 12 day suspension – commencing m/n 01/09/25 and concluding m/n 13/09/25.
Race 4: Apprentice J. McMurray – AR 131(a) – Careless riding – 8 day suspension – commencing m/n 23/08/25 and concluding m/n the 31/08/25.

Race day injuries/illness
Race 8: Jockey J. Bayliss – Unwell – Medical certificate.

Absent jockeys
Jockey D. Thornton – Transportation difficulties.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
GUARDED OPTIMIST, THE IRISH, BITOFTHEBLARNEY, RAZORS, UZZIAH, BATTLETON, FLASH AAH, HALF LISTENING.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: 4. FRILLED – B. Thompson
Race 1: 6. BUNDEENA – C. Graham
Race 3: 10. BITOFTHEBLARNEY – J. Bayliss
Race 5: 16. PREMISE – J. Bayliss
Race 9: 10. RUSSIAN SUB – T. Brooker
Race 9: 11. ZELGARIA – D. Turner


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.