QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT
LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB
FRIDAY 9 JANUARY 2026
WEATHER – Fine TRACK RATING – Good 4RAIL – True
OFFICIALS
Chairman of Stewards – S. Coulthard
Stewards – B. Wright, D. Aurisch, A. Dowsett, R. Hanson, Z. Lines
GENERAL
Trainer B. Ahrens was fined $200 under the provisions of LR67(1) for the late declaration of riders for PEARL OF SICILY and JIDAYUBORI.
Stewards permitted the following overweights:
Race 4: D Boche +0.5kg (55kg)
Race 1: W. O’Connell +1kg (56kg)
As Jockey S Sheargold was unable to make the allocated weight in Race 1 he was replaced on GLOBAL CURRENCY by Jockey W. O’Connell. Jockey S. Sheargold was fined $100 pursuant to AR 190(3) for accepting a ride when overweight.
Rider changes were made as per the steward’s summary.
RACE 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL 1100 M
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards considered an objection lodged by Jockey D Boche (SOLAR SURFER) against App. E. Lang (EXCEL BOOM) both runners being declared a dead heat, alleging interference near the 50m. Stewards, after hearing evidence from the relevant parties and viewing the stewards patrol footage, found that near the 50m EXCEL BOOM had shifted out marginally, making contact with SOLAR SURFER which also shifted in at that time contributing to the contact between runners. Stewards were particularly mindful of the contribution that SOLAR SURFER made to this incident and subsequently dismissed the protest and correct weight was declared on the judge’s numbers.
APPOLLO MOON – Raced ungenerously passing the 800m.
FRENCH LINER – Raced wide for the majority. Tightened for room near the 800m.
SOLAR SURFER – Raced wide without cover. After the running of this race, SOLAR SURFER was kicked by another runner when returning to the tie up stalls. The gelding underwent a veterinary examination and was found to have an injury to the near-hind leg and was treated by the official race day veterinarian. Trainer J. Bruce was advised a veterinary certificate would be required prior to racing again.
BAD SANTA – Slow to begin.
KISS OF LIFE – Began awkwardly and was bumped. Near the 700m, shifted in, making heavy contact with the running rail and became very unbalanced dislodging its rider. Jockey H Richardson was treated by QAS officials and transported to hospital for further assessment. Ms Richardson was advised that she would be stood down for twelve days as per the QRIC concussion protocol. Trainer J. Gleeson was advised the filly would be required to complete an official trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings.
PEARL OF SICILY – Held up in the early part of the home straight before shifting out to improve near the 150m.
RADIO WAVES – Slow to begin. Raced ungenerously in the middle stages and made contact with the inside rail near the 800m.
GLOBAL CURRENCY – Slow to begin.
PRINCE PHOENIX – Bumped on jumping.
RACE 2: LADBROKES ODDS SURGE MAIDEN PLATE 1400 M
CONCADOR – Raced wide without cover for the majority.
PRINCE OF SYNERGY – Lost its off-fore plate in running.
PREACHABULL – Shifted in on jumping, crowding runners to the inside. Raced wide throughout. Hung in under pressure in the home straight, proving difficult to ride.
SHAKEN MARTINI – Bumped on jumping away.
I’M SO ELEGANT – Bumped on jumping away.
FYANSFORD FLYER – Bumped on jumping away.
OUR ESPIRIT – Crowded between runners shortly after the start and lost ground. Became awkwardly placed on heels over the concluding stages and as a result, was unable to be fully tested to the line.
RACE 3: FALVEY’S HOTEL GATTON RATINGS BAND 0-55 HANDICAP 1400 M
GOLD DAZZLER – Raced keenly in the early stages. Eased down passing the 100m. When questioned, jockey L. Tilley reported that his mount raced flat and was disappointing, and in his opinion may not have backed up from its previous start. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings.
TOBA – Raced wide without cover for the majority.
JEDIAH – Prior to the home turn was tightened for room when attempting a narrow run between STATE A FACT and INVISIBLE TARGET.
SHOT DOWN BY LOVE – Raced keen in the early and middle stages.
INVISIBLE TARGET – Slow to begin.
HALF MOON ROO – Slow to begin.
RACE 4: BARRIER REEF POOLS RATINGS BAND 0-55 HANDICAP 1400 M
MISHANI PERSUASION – Raced wide for the majority.
DEFYING – Laid out near the 1000m. Approaching the 400m, improved onto heels and had to be restrained when attempting a narrow run.
SHOW ME THE STARTS – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
LITTLE VAIN – Raced wide without cover for the majority. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
REACHOVER – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils, as this was the first occasion, Trainer W O’Connell was advised the gelding would incur a 3 month ban from racing and would be required to trial/gallop 1000m to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.
TIDLER’S WISH – Hampered at the start. Near the 800m was awkwardly placed on heels and momentarily restrained.
RACE 5: QN HOTEL LAIDLY CLASS 2 HANDICAP 1600 M
JOHNNY THE KID – Tightened for room shortly after the start.
FIRE AND LIGHT – Contacted the inside running rail near the 600m.
LUCONI – Bumped passing the 1400m.
AOOM’S CHOICE – Raced wide without cover. Awkwardly placed on heels near the 100m when laying in under pressure. Trainer C Geran was fined $100 under the provisions of AR106(2) for presenting the mare with the incorrect gear.
GLENRAY’S MATE – Raced wide for the majority.
MAURITA – Stood flat footed and lost ground (3L). Raced wide throughout. Trainer R. Chatterton was advised a warning would be placed on the mare for standing flat-footed.
BOLD TYRANT – Raced keen in the early and middle stages. Bumped passing the 1400m.
ROCK LOBSTER – Laid in under pressure between the 200 – 100m. When questioned, jockey Hellyer stated it was not his intention to lead however he was dictated by the pace of the race and settled in a more forward position.
STANDLEE – Passing the 1400m shifted out bumping BOLD TYRANT which in turn bumped LUCONI.
RACE 6: LADBROKES TOP 2/3/4 BETTING RATINGS BAND 0-55 HANDICAP 1100 M
DOITLIKEMAXWELL – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after an incident in the tie up stalls was cleared to race. Laid in over the concluding stages.
MEKANIC – Shortly after the start, became unbalanced when brushed by PERFECT BETH then shifted out, resulting in WANTSMOREOFIT being steadied when tightened by DUBBLE HUSSLE which shifted in slightly.
MISS ZERMATT – Raced wide without cover for the majority. Near the 300m steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MISTER TUDOR.
WANTSOMEMOREOFIT – Steadied shortly after the start when tightened between runners.
PERFECT BETH – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame in the near-fore. Trainer L. McCormack was advised a veterinary certificate would be required prior to racing again.
MISHANI STELLER – Approaching the 300m steadied when disappointed for a run between MEKANIC and GALLERY MASTER and then shifted to the inside at the 200m to obtain clear running.
GALLERY MASTER – Reared at the start and lost ground.
RACE 7: NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH RATINGS BAND 0-55 HANDICAP 1100 M
BRAVE COWBOY BILL – Held up for clear running on entering the home straight.
ROCONONO – Slow into stride. Cast the off fore plate in running.
OYSTERCATCHER – Connections advised of a change of tactics in that from the wide gate, will attempt to obtain cover. Settled towards the rear. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Held up for clear running rounding the home turn and again near the 100m and went to the line without being fully tested.
ANCIENT MISSION – Near the 700m, raced with its head up whilst being restrained, in an effort to obtain a position with cover closer to the rail. Passing the 100m, jockey A. Allen dropped his whip. Became awkwardly placed on heels over the concluding stages when EXTREME ALLY was inclined to lay out.
JIDAYUBORI – Near the 800m, steadied to take up a position behind SHELLY’S ACE.
WORDLY SPRIT – Approaching the 200m, became awkwardly placed on the heels of EXTREME ALLY whilst laying in. Over the concluding stages, laid in towards the heels of EXTREME ALLY resulting in rider A. Thompson being unable to fully ride his mount out to the finish.
JAMAICAN – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after getting its off foreleg up in the barriers and was cleared to start. Trainer G. Baker was advised that JAMAICAN must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again. Began awkwardly.
RACE 8: MCNEIL FARMS BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1100 M
DRANITZELLE – As the gelding had not raced for an extended period, DRANITZELLE was examined by on-course veterinarian and was cleared to start. Near the 700m, steadied and became unbalanced when tightened by VEGA NOVA which when racing greenly, shifted in and away from HEIKEDEMPRETTY. Apprentice E. Lang reported that she received some interference mid race and then when under pressure in the straight raced greenly and laid in. Further, Ms Lang added that in her opinion, DRANITZELLE will take benefit from this run. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
RED FEATHER BOA – Raced wide without cover.
BONNIE AMORE – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout.
CEEKAY’S CHOICE – Held up for clear running from the 400m until passing the 300m. Awkwardly placed on heels approaching the 100m when laying in.
VEGA NOVA – Bumped on jumping.
EVERYWHERE – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the request of its rider and was cleared to start. Bumped heavily on jumping and lost ground.
RACE 9: SAVE THE DATE – AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND RACEDAY 25TH JANUARY BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1400 M
HEAVENLY LOVE – Reared as the start was affected dislodging apprentice S. Pointon. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings. Trainer M. Frappell was advised that HEAVENLY LOVE will be required to officially trial to Stewards’ satisfaction prior to racing again. Apprentice S. Pointon was treated by QAS officials and transported to hospital for further assessment. Ms Pointon was advised that she would be stood down for twelve days as per the QRIC concussion protocol.
MAN IN THE MIRROR – Near the 1200m, shifted wider and became awkwardly placed on heels before shifting wider when MISS DE MEDICI shifted out.
OUR ORATOR – Slow to begin.
KINGSLAND – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
ELENOR NANCY – Slow to begin.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
Summary of action concerning licensees
Fines
Race 1: Jockey S Sheargold – Accepted a ride when overweight – AR190(3) - $100
Race 1 & 7: Trainer B. Ahrens – Late declaration of rider – LR 67(1) - $200.
Race 5: Trainer C & G Geran – Incorrect gear -AR106(2) - $100
Race day injuries/illness
Race 1: Jockey H. Richardson - Injury/Fall
Race 9: Apprentice S. Pointon - Injury/Fall
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed pre-race
SOLAR SURFER, HEROIC DELANEYS, GOLD DAZZLER, TREASURER, STANDLEE, MOOTESSA.
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
Warnings/bars
Race 1: SOLAR SURFER – Veterinary clearance.
Race 1: KISS OF LIFE – Racing Manners – To trial.
Race 5: MAURITA – Stood flat footed – Warning.
Race 6: PERFECT BETH – Veterinary clearance.
Race 7: JAMAICAN – Barrier Manners – To trial.
Race 9: HEAVENLY LOVE – Barrier manners – To trial.
Bleeders
Race 4 –– REACHOVER
Falls
Race 1: H Richardson – 12 day stand own – QRIC concussion policy.
Race 9: Apprentice S Pointon –12 day stand down - QRIC concussion policy.
Protests
Race 1: 1 v 1 - Dismissed
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
R1. GLOBAL CURRENCY – W. O’Connell
R2. SHAKEN MARTINI – W. O’Connell
R6. FANCI FLEUR – G. Cartwright
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.