QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT
 
EAGLE FARM – BRISBANE RACING CLUB
SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2025


WEATHER – Fine             TRACK RATING – Soft 5RAIL – +1m entire
PENETROMETER – 6.1

OFFICIALS

Chairperson– J. Adams
Stewards – G. Goold, K. Lemay-Robbins, W.Wain
Clerk of Scales – R. Hanson

GENERAL
 
Stewards approved the following overweight:
 
Race 9: Jockey M. Harley +1kg (55kg)
 
Prior to the running of Race 1, Stewards inspected the track and upgraded it to a Soft 5 at 11:12am.
 
As Jockey T. Brooker was ill, she was replaced as per the race day summary. Jockey T. Brooker was advised that a medical certificate would be required prior to racing again.
 
Trainer C. Maher was fined $100 under LR67(1) for the late declaration of D. Thornton as the rider of TOMMY THUG in Race 2.
 
Co. Trainer A. Archibald was fined $100 under LR67(1) for the late declaration of H. Van Der Hoven as the rider of SPACE TRACKER in Race 7.
 
Trainer R. Heathcote was fined $100 under LR67(1) for the late declaration of D. Moor as the rider of EN POINTE in Race 9.
 
Trainer P. Shailer was fined $200 pursuant to LR 36(6)(a) for failing to scratch SCUD by the prescribed time which was a dual acceptor in races 5 and 9.
 
 
 
Race 1: XXXX QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP   1400 M

MIDNIGHT SPIRIT– Began awkwardly. When asked to comment on the tactics adopted today, Jockey R. Maloney explained that it was not his intention to settle in a forward position, however after being caught wide in the early stages, he elected to allow his mount to stride forward and take up a position outside of the lead. He further added that after having to work early to obtain a position closer to the rail, in his opinion, this may have had a detrimental effect on its finishing efforts.
 
HA'PENNY HATCH (NZ) - Began awkwardly and contacted the outside barrier partition on jumping away. Over-raced in the early stages. Jockey D. Turner reported that in his opinion the filly may have choked down and was making respiratory noise on pulling up. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainer P. Shailer reported that the filly carries a tongue tie and a crossover noseband due to its respiratory issues. E further added that it is his intuition to have HA'PENNY HATCH (NZ) examined by the stable veterinarian and would report back any significant findings.
 
SMEXY – Began awkwardly and contacted the outside barrier partition on jumping away. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.

BOOMSHANKA - Over-raced in the early stages whilst being restrained off heels. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
CRASH THE PARTY - Restrained from a wide barrier to obtain a position closer to the rail. Held up on entering the home straight and was obliged to shift in, in an attempt to improve passing the 300m before obtaining clear running inside the final 200m. Approaching the 100m, laid in and became awkwardly placed on the heels of SMEXY for a short distance.


Race 2: SENQ BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP   2200 M

SUN WORSHIPPER – When asked to comment on the tactics adopted today, Apprentice C. Sutherland reported that his instructions were to ride the mare cold, similar to its last start at Doomben. He explained that he was able to get SUN WORSHIPPER to settle in the early stages however was mindful that as the mare was on a quick back up, not to expose SUN WORSHIPPER to an extended run too far out. Passing the 600m, when positioned in a pocket at the rear of the field was unable to improve and as such elected to ride for luck on entering the home straight. Apprentice C. Sutherland added that the mare has a tendency to lay in and when looking to commence its run on straightening, became awkwardly placed at heels for a short distance before finishing off the event in a positive manner. Trainer M. Kropp reported that he was not disappointed with the run given the large weight and the quick back up and was of the opinion that if SUN WORSHIPPER had drawn a preferable barrier, would settle further forward and is confident of a forward showing next start. He added that he would report back if anything arose in the days subsequent.

KALUAKOI – Over-raced in the early and middle stages. When asked to comment on KALUAKOI, Jockey D. Moor could offer no explanation for the poor performance of the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
CONNECTICUT – Slow to begin. When asked to comment on the performance of CONNECTICUT, Jockey J. Bayliss reported that in his opinion the gelding may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Co. Trainer C. Geran advise that CONNECTICUT would now be sent for a spell.
 
COUNTER (GB) – Laid in throughout the event.                   

 
Race 3: WIDDEN'S JACQUINOT FIRST YEARLINGS 2026 QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP        1000 M


RAROTONGA - Slow to begin. Jockey D. Moor reported at scale that after beginning only fairly was then inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
 
STAR OF JAMAICA – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Raced greenly over the concluding stages.
 
TOSEN SABI – Race wide throughout.   Became awkward in its stride for a short distance passing the 600m.
 
DREAM ROCA (NZ) – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.       
 
I'LLTELLYOUANYTIME - Raced greenly over the concluding stages.



Race 4: MAGIC MILLIONS BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP          1000 M

HEARTS ARE BETTER – Slow to begin.

CUSTO – Connections advised of a change of tactics in that CUSTO would be ridden more forwards if circumstances permit. Settled midfield and raced wide throughout.

BENZOU – Over-raced in the early and middle stages.
 
MOULIN MISS – A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.

SCRIPTED - Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after resuming from an extended spell and was cleared to start. Slow to begin.
 
YOYO YEEZY – Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages.

Race 5: JBS LEMONTREE CLASS 6 HANDICAP       1200 M         

CASPERNOVA– Slow to begin. Became awkwardly placed at heels passing the 800m when the pace of the race slackened.
 
BATTLEFIELD – Became awkwardly placed at heels passing the 800m when the pace of the race slackened. A post-race veterinary examination revealed heat stress.
 
OUR MAGNUS – Began awkwardly and shifted out. Passing the 900m after being crossed by HERMANITA, had to be steadied to avoid heels after the pace of the race slackened. Apprentice T. Fenlon the rider of HEMANITA was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding in that she allowed her mount to shift in under riding when insufficiently clear to do so.
SER JOH – Over-raced in the early stages and restrained near the 800m when awkwardly placed at heels when the pace of the race slackened. When asked to comment on the performance of SER JOH, Jockey M. Harley reported that in his opinion the tempo of todays event did not suit SER JOH and that the gelding may appreciate a step up in distance.
 
DEEP RESPECT – Passing the 800m, had to be checked off the heels of BATTLEFIELD, which was obliged to steady when the pace of the race slackened.
 
TOWN CRIER - A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have bled bilaterally on the first occasion. Trainer M. Hoysted was advised TOWN CRIER would be stood down from racing under AR79 (4) for 3 months.
 
TRIBECA STAR – Raced wide.
 
REDFORD – Began awkwardly.
 
ZELGARIA – Slow to begin. Over-raced in the middle stages. Raced wide.
 
BALANCE THE BOOKS – Began awkwardly.  Passing the 100m, was obliged to alter course and shift in to improve. When asked to comment on the performance of BALANCE THE BOOKS, Jockey A. Jones reported that the mare raced flat and when asked for an effort did not quicken as anticipated.
 

Race 6: SKY RACING BRIBIE HANDICAP       1000 M

WAY TO THE STARS – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Jockey B. Thompson reported that after beginning awkwardly and losing ground, he elected to settle at the rear of field rather than make use of his mount early and attempt to secure a more forward position.
 
KING KAPA - Held up for clear running on entering the home straight until passing the 300m.
 
METALART – Slow to begin.       
 
MANHOOD - Began awkwardly.
 
PRINCE OF BOOM – Passing the 300m, raced in restricted room for a short distance before commencing to weaken.

VODKA MARTINI – Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.  
 
THE BLACK CLOUD - Momentarily inconvenienced shortly after straightening after becoming awkwardly placed on the heels of CHAKRA BOY, which shifted out. Apprentice O. Webb the rider of CHAKRA BOY was reprimanded pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding in that she allowed her mount to shift out when insufficiently clear to do so. Passing the 150m was obliged to alter course and shift in to improve into clear running.
 
SHALAA'S MOMENT – Passing the 200m was disappointed when attempting to improve into a closing run to the inside of WANDA ROXY and as a result was awkwardly placed at heels for a considerable distance before being allowed to shift in passing the 100m to secure clear running.


Race 7: U&U RECRUITMENT TAILS STAKES 1500 M


VICTORY WIN - A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SNITZANOVA – Bumped on several occasions at the start. Passing the 1200m, had to be steadied to avoid the heels of THE DROVER, which shifted in to a position where there was insufficient room to do so. Jockey A. Thompson the rider of THE DROVER was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding for shifting ground when insufficiently clear to do so. Race wide.
 
SPACE TRACKER (IRE) – Began awkwardly and shifted in and bumped SNITZANOVA.
 
THE DROVER – Raced wide. A post-race veterinary examination revealed heat stress and the gelding to be stepping short.
 
TORABELLA – When asked to comment on the performance of TORABELLA, Jockey A. Jones reported she was obliged to make use of her mount in the early stages and in her opinion TORABELLA may not have appreciated the tempo of today’s race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
WARBY – Reared as the start was effected and lost ground. Raced wide.
 
DEMON DARB – Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SNITZANOVA.
 
LARRIKIN ROGUE – Slow to begin.
 
LIBERTY STEPS – Began awkwardly.    Near the 1200m, was directed inwards by DEMON DARB and as a result became awkwardly placed at the heels of COCO JAMBOO and had to be checked and lost ground. Jockey R. Stewart, the rider of DEMON DARB was charged and found guilty pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding, the particulars of the charge being that he allowed his mount to shift in under riding near the 1200m, directing LIBERTY STEPS into a position where there was insufficient room, causing LIBERTY STEPS to check and lose its rightful running. Jockey R. Stewart’s license to ride in races was suspended for 9 days commencing midnight 20 December 2025 and concluding midnight 29 December 2025. Jockey R. Stewart was advised of his right of appeal.


Race 8: THE LADBROKES GATEWAY  1400 M

BOOMTOWN BOSS - Momentarily inconvenienced passing the 100m by POSTER GIRL, which shifted in. Jockey M. Harley the rider of POSTER GIRL, was advised to exercise greater care and stop and straighten his mounts in similar circumstances.
 
APUNTAR – Bumped on jumping away. Raced wide.
 
TASORAAY - Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped APUNTAR.
 
BRINDAVAN (IRE) – Began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly. Raced in restricted room for a short distance passing the 1100m. Over-raced in the middle stages.
 
EL MORZILLO – Approaching the 1200m, was crowded and had to be steadied to avoid the heels of POSTER GIRL, which shifted in when attempting to obtain cover. Jockey M. Harley the rider of POSTER GIRL was charged and found guilty pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding the particulars of the charge being that passing the 1200m, Jockey M. Harley allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of EL MORZILLO which was crowded for a number of strides and lost its rightful running. Jockey M. Harley’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 days commencing midnight the 22nd of December and concluding midnight the 30th of December, 2025. Jockey M. Harley was advised of his right of appeal. Over-raced in the middle stages.        
 
POSTER GIRL – Held up for clear running for a short distance on entering the home straight.

Race 9: SEVEN JUST NOW        1300 M

JUNQUEIRA – Began awkwardly and lost ground. When asked to comment on JUNQUEIRA, Jockey D. Thornton could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance. A post- race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SCUD – Connections advised of a change of tactics in that SCUD would be ridden conservatively from a wide barrier. Ridden accordingly, settled at the rear of the field.

COUNTYOURBLESSINGS – When the pace of the race slackened near the 800m, had to be restrained and shift wider after improving onto the heels of FRENCH ENDEAVOUR. Had to steady and alter course to avoid the heels of LOHNRO’S QUEEN, which shifted in passing the 200m. Jockey M. Harley the rider of LOHNRO’S QUEEN was reprimanded pursuant to AR 131(a) for careless riding. Lost its near hind plate. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
RUSSIAN ALLIANCE – Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SUNSET DREAMING. Whilst over-racing near the 1000m, improved onto heels and shifted wider. When asked to comment on the performance of RUSSIAN ALLIANCE, Jockey M. Du Plessis reported that after resuming from a short spell RUSSIAN ALLIANCE, in his opinion would derive fitness benefit from today’s event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
 
SUNSET DREAMING – Began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped RUSSIAN ALLIANCE.

FRENCH ENDEAVOUR – Over-raced in the early stages.

Race 10: DRINKWISE BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP  1400 M

ESJAY – Raced in restricted room for a short distance passing the 700m. Over-raced throughout the event. Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
FLYING AURELIUS – Slow to begin before being allowed to stride forward and take up a position outside the lead passing the 1100m. When questioned regarding the performance of FLYING AURELIUS, Apprentice J. Williams stated that after being slow to begin he allowed this mount to stride forward to take up a position outside of the leader, however when attempting to restrain his mount, FLYING AURELIUS commenced to race fiercely, failed to settle and when placed under pressure in the home straight, failed to respond to his riding efforts.

HEYOKA – Passing the 100m, had to be steadied to avoid the heels of ESJAY, which shifted out under riding, resulting in the mare losing momentum and having to shift in to improve into clear running.

AFFINITY FLYER – Jockey M. Du Plessis reported on return to scale that he became concerned with the action of the mare and as such elected not to place AFFINITY FLYER under pressure over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame on its off foreleg. Trainer S. Kirkwood was advised that a veterinary certificate would be required prior to racing again.      
 
DIAMOND EPIC - Began awkwardly,     
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 5: Apprentice T. Fenlon – Careless riding – AR 131(a) – Severe reprimand.
Race 6: Apprentice O. Webb – Careless riding – AR 131(a) – Reprimand.
Race 7: Jockey A. Thompson - Careless riding – AR 131(a) – Severe reprimand.
Race 9: Jockey M. Harley – Careless riding – AR 131(a) – Reprimand.

Fines
Race 2: Trainer C. Maher – Late declaration of rider - LR67(1) - $100 fine.
Race 5 & 9 – Trainer P. Shailer – Failed to scratch dual acceptor - LR 36(6)(a) - $200 fine.
Race 7: Co. Trainer A. Archibald - Late declaration of rider - LR67(1) - $100 fine.
Race 9: Trainer R. Heathcote - Late declaration of rider - LR67(1) - $100 fine.

Suspensions
Race 7: Jockey R. Stewart – Careless riding – AR 131(a) – 9 day suspension of license commencing m/n 20.12.25 and concluding m/n 29.12.25
Race 8: Jockey M. Harley - Careless riding – AR 131(a) – 8 day suspension of license commencing m/n 22.12.25 and concluding m/n 30.12.25.

Absent jockeys
Jockey T. Brooker – Medical certificate.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
SMEXY, SUN WORSHIPPER, YOYO YEEZY, BALANCE THE BOOKS, CHAKRA BOY, THE BLACK CLOUD, MISS JOELENE, DEMON DARB, BOOMTOWN BOSS, READY TO SCHIPP, LOHNRO’S QUEEN, JUNQUEIRA.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners, WAY TO THE STARS, SNITZANOVA, BAND OF BROTHERS, SUNSET DREAMING.
 
Warnings/bars
Race 10: 12. AFFINITY FLYER – Lame off foreleg – Veterinary certificate.

Bleeders
Race 5: 8. TOWN CRIER – Bilaterally first occasion - AR79 (4) – Stood down for 3 months.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: 5. SMEXY – D. Thornton

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.