QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT
 
                                       AQUIS PARK GOLD COAST
FRIDAY 23JANUARY 2026


WEATHER – Overcast  
TRACK RATING –  Good 4        
RAIL – +0.5m 1000m – 400m; True Remainder
PENETROMETER – 4.88

OFFICIALS

Stewards – B. Wright (Chair); P. Zimmermann, D. McMahon, R. Hanson; L. De Witt – Rowson, A. Dowsett (Asst. Stewards); T. Hendy (Cadet)

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Race 1: Aquis Park Gold Coast – Saturday 27 December 2025
Stewards concluded an inquiry into the reason EXCESS CAPITAL (J. Taylor) fell approaching the 400m and rider R. O’Sullivan was dislodged from MISSABEAT at the same point. After taking evidence from both riders and M. Hellyer (SOUND THE BUGLE); and viewing the official footage of the incident, it was established and as noted in the Steward’s report from the day, that MISSABEAT bumped the rail passing the 700m and became badly unbalanced. Then once balanced up, raced tight to the inside of SOUND THE BUGLE until near the 400m where MISSABEAT again contacted the rail, shifted out bumping the hindquarters of SOUND THE BUGLE, shifted back in again contacting the rail before shifting back out and clipping the heels of SOUND THE BUGLE, dislodging rider R. O’Sullivan. EXCESS CAPITAL, which was following, then contacted MISSABEAT and fell. As the Stewards were satisfied the cause of the incident was due to the racing manners of MISSABEAT, no action was taken against any rider. Trainer B. Gray was advised MISSABEAT would be required to Officially trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.
 
RACE 1: TAB WE'RE ON MAIDEN PLATE     1400 M
 
RIGHTEOUS LEGEND – Passing the 400m, was carried out and inconvenienced when PAPER DOLL (R. Dolan) shifted out to improve. Rider R. Dolan was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.
 
ROSA KISS – Rider M. Du Plessis was reprimanded pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(i) for using his whip in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.
 
HARRYTHEWIZ – Raced ungenerously with its head up in the early and middle stages.
 
PAPER DOLL – Slow to muster early speed.

SKIEDA – When being steadied approaching the 1000m, got its head up and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROSA KISS (M. Du Plessis), which shifted in when not quite clear. Rider M. Du Plessis was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding.
 
KOOLATAH QUEEN – Stood flat footed as the start was effected and lost ground. Trainer C. Anderson was advised a warning would be placed against the filly.

RACE 2: BROLEC GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP      1100 M

DRUMSHANBO – Rider B. Thornton stated the gelding, which was first up from a spell, was obliged to do too much work early to obtain a forward position, which may have had an effect on the gelding’s finishing performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
IBEGOOD – Raced wide without cover from the 800m.
 
ANCIENT SCENT – Raced keen early.
 
NITE CHILL – Raced keen early.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have a superficial wound to the off-hind leg, consistent with being galloped on and was treated for heat stress. Trainer M. Wilson advised it his intention to send NITE CHILL for a spell.
 
EL CENTRO – Change of tactics; attempt to be ridden with cover. Slow into stride and settled at the rear.
 
ICYMISS – Began awkwardly. When racing keenly passing the 700m, checked from the heels of NITE CHILL (C. Graham), which when being steadied from a three wide position, to follow ANCIENT SCENT, then rolled in before being corrected.  In all the circumstances, rider C. Graham was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding. Held up for clear running from passing the 400m until passing the 200m.
 
MY SPIRIT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination due to resuming racing from an extended period.
 
RACE 3: TAB FASTER VISION CLASS 3 PLATE      1200 M

PARETO – Rider D. Peisley stated the gelding raced flat. Trainer D. McColm advised it is his intention to send PARETO for a spell.
 
RAZORS – Shifted in near the 900m. Shifted out slightly making the home turn.
 
SMART ACTION – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
 
LUNAR EIGHT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination due to resuming racing from an extended period.

CINDERSEA – Near the 900m, steadied to avoid the heels of RAZORS (B. Thompson), which shifted when not quite clear. Rider B. Thompson was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding. Making the home turn, was inconvenienced when RAZORS shifted out slightly.
 
PERFECT MISSION – Trainer A. Campton was fined $100 pursuant to AR106(2) for presenting PERFECT MISSION to the mounting yard with the incorrect gear (present without winkers). Raced wide without cover for the majority.
 
RACE 4: RACING QUEENSLAND QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE     1200 M
 
CAPTAIN CASHE – Raced wide with cover.
 
PROPHET OF DESTINY – Apprentice C. Sutherland reported the gelding raced greenly when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
ST ANDREWS – Began awkwardly.
 
BY THE WAY – Approaching the 200m, was shifted to the outside of ST ANDREWS to obtain clear running.
 
CHAYSE 'N' BODHI – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Near the 700m, checked and lost its position when tightened by BACETTI, which shifted in away from CAPTAIL CASHE, which shifted in before being straightened. In the circumstances, no action was taken. When making good ground approaching the 50m, steadied from the heels of BRITANNIA ROSE before shifting to the inside of that filly to continue going forward.
 
DEFIANT MISS – Began awkwardly.

SAN GIMIGNANO – Raced wide without cover. Commenced to weaken from the 300m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
CAUTIONARY TAIL – Raced wide with cover.
 
ODE TO BEAUTY – Raced keenly in the early stages. Rider T. Brooker reported she was asked to be in a forward position, however; with a number of first starters in the field, was unsure of how the pace of the race would be early. She added her mount commenced to race keenly shortly after the start and as such, settled just off the lead.
 
RACE 5: GOLD COAST MAYOR'S VASE       2050 M
 
ZAPHOD (IRE) – Rider A. Mallyon was reprimanded pursuant to AR132(6)(b) for raising his whip arm in an action above shoulder height.
 
RED WAVE – Near the 1200m, got its head up when being steadied from the heels of RAF ATTACK (NZ). When racing keenly passing the 1000m, shifted out obliging GALIFIANAKIS (IRE) to race rider.
 
GALIFIANAKIS (IRE) – Came off the crossing near the 1500m awkwardly. Obliged to race wider passing the 1000m. 
 
TORABELLA – For a short distance near the 1200m, got its head up.
 
FELIX THE SCAT – Slow to begin. Came off the crossing near the 1500m awkwardly.  Commenced a forward run around the field passing the 800m. Rider M. Du Plessis was fined $200 pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(i) for using his whip on two occasions in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.

RAF ATTACK (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly with its head up in the middle stages.
 
RACE 6: TAB GOLDMARKET    1100 M

GOLDEN BOOM – Began awkwardly, bumped MANOLO BLING and shortly after steadied when racing in restricted room to the inside of WANDA ROX. Rider R. Maloney was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(b) for failing to ride his mount out to the winning post.

METALART – Shortly after the start, steadied when racing in restricted room.
 
KING KAPA  – Approaching the 150m, momentarily steadied when tightened by GOLDEN BOOM (R. Maloney), which shifted in under pressure. Rider R. Maloney was advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.
 
WANDA ROX – Began awkwardly.
 
MANHOOD – A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
 
SHALAA'S MOMENT – Slow to begin.

MANOLO BLING – Bumped on the hindquarters leaving the gates.

MEMORIA – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SUPER DUCK – Slow to begin.
 
OUTWEIGHED - Passing the 700m, crowded by WANDA ROX, which shifted in before being corrected.
 
RACE 7: VILI'S FAMILY BAKERY BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP   1400 M

LADY SHOTGUN – Slow into stride.
 
MODESTY (IRE) – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination due to resuming racing from an extended period.
 
KADALL – Slow to begin. Passing the 300m, contacted NORTH OF ELI on several occasions. Apprentice C. Sutherland stated the gelding became quite agitated pre-race, was inclined to lay in for the majority and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.

BOONDOCKS – For a short distance approaching the 1000m, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CUTEPI. NORTH OF ELI, which was following BOONDOCKS, was obliged to steady.

NORTH OF ELI – Steadied approaching the 1000m. Passing the 300m, contacted KADALL on several occasions.
Rider R. Maloney stated the gelding failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
AITUTAKI – Begin awkwardly and bumped FAIRWAY CHOICE.
 
ITZA CHARMDEEL – Clipped heels passing the 400m and blundered. Eased down in straight.
 
CUTEPI – Laid out rounding the home turn. Rider D. Moor reported after beginning well, the mare settled in a more forward position.
 
SUKHBIR – Raced wide without cover. Held up for clear running rounding the home turn and again passing the 200m, before shifting in across heels to obtain clear running.
 
FAIRWAY CHOICE – Bumped at the start.

IRON GRACE – Change of tactics; to be ridden further forward. Settled behind the lead.
 
 
R. Maloney rider of NORTH OF ELI pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) in that passing the 400m he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of ITZA CHARMDEEL, resulting in that runner being tightened, clipping the heels of NORTH OF ELI and blundering. Rider R. Maloney’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of thirteen (13) days, commencing midnight Saturday 31 January 2026, concluding midnight Friday 13 February 2026. In assessing penalty, account was taken of the QRIC Careless Riding Guidelines.
 
RACE 8: XXXX CLASS 1 PLATE                 1400M
 
LASQUETI BOOM was declared a late withdrawal at 9:07pm by order of Stewards on veterinary advice due to lameness in both fore legs. Trainer H. Page was advised LASQUETI BOOM would require veterinary clearance prior to resuming.
 
On the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered all bets on LASQUETI BOOM to be refunded in full with the following deductions to apply:
1st - VORKUTA – 1c win, 1c place.
2nd - FIREFORCE – 1c place.
3rd - BACKSTAGE – 1c place.

DARK ARTS – Raced wide.
 
FIREFORCE – Raced keenly in the early stages. Held up rounding the home turn.
 
GONE TO CAPE YORK – Near the 300m, was held up and then checked when disappointed for run between MELTDOWN and FIREFORCE which shifted out to improve.
 
MAIKROW – Raced keenly in the early stages. Rolled out passing the 400m and was checked from the heels of CALL OUT, which shifted in slightly. In the incident, contact was made with the hindquarters of CALL OUT. Raced in restricted room passing the 50m and went to the end of the race without being fully tested.
 
ZEAMAIZE – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn until passing the 200m.
 
FOR BETTER – Near the 1200m, bumped with CALL OUT.
 
MELTDOWN – Near the 300m, was eased when disappointed for a run between FOR BETTER and CALL OUT (B. Youngberry), which shifted in. Apprentice B. Youngberry was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding. Held up for a run until approaching the 100m.
 
LADY WINDERMERE – Raced in restricted room passing the 50m and went to the end of the race without being fully tested.
 
CALL OUT – Near the 1200m, bumped with FOR BETTER. Raced wide without cover. Had its hindquarters contacted rounding the home turn by MAIKROW.
 
B. Lerena, rider of VORKUTA pleaded not guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) in that shortly after passing the winning post, he permitted his mount to shift in tightening the running of ZEAMAIZE making contact with that gelding, then contacted the rail and became severely unbalanced. After taking further submissions from rider B. Lerena, Stewards were of the view the charge could not be sustained, however; he was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding.   
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 1: 4 ROSA KISS – M. Du Plessis - AR132(7) (a)(i) – use of the whip in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.
Race 1: 4 ROSA KISS – M. Du Plessis – AR131(a) – reprimand – careless riding.
Race 2: 9 NITE CHILL – C. Graham - AR131(a) – Severe reprimand – careless riding.
Race 3: 3 RAZORS – B. Thompson - AR131(a) – reprimand – careless riding.
Race 5: 2 ZAPHOD (IRE) – A. Mallyon - AR132(6)(b) - raised his whip arm above shoulder height.
Race 6: 1 GOLDEN BOOM – R. Maloney - AR131(b) – severe reprimand - failure to ride his mount out to the winning post.
Race 8: 7 VORKUTA – B. Lerena – AR131(a) – severe reprimand – careless riding.
Race 8: 19 CALL OUT – B. Youngberry - AR 131(a) – reprimand – careless riding.
 
Fines
Race 3: 9 PERFECT MISSION – Trainer A. Campton AR 106(2) - $100 - presented to the mounting yard with the incorrect gear.
Race 5: 9 FELIX THE SCAT 0 – M. Du Plessis - AR 132(7) (a)(i) - $200 – use of his whip on two occasions in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.
 
 
Suspensions
Race 7: 6 NORTH OF ELI – R. Maloney – AR 131(a) – careless riding – 13 days - commencing midnight Saturday 31 January 2026, concluding midnight Friday 13 February 2026.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled pre-race
Race 1: SWAG, SKIEDA
Race 5: GALIFIANAKIS (IRE), RAF ATTACK (NZ)
Race 6: GOLDEN BOOM
Race 8: MELTDOWN

Horses sampled post-race
All winners, METALART
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1: 16 KOOLATAH QUEEN – warning – stood flat footed as the start was effected.
Race 8: 20 LASQUETI BOOM – veterinary certificate – lame both forelegs.

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: 16 KOOLATAH QUEEN - Daniel Moor
Race 2: 19e MY SPIRIT - Daniel Moor
Race 4: 3 PROPHET OF DESTINY - Corey Sutherland (a1.5/55.5kg)
Race 4: 16e SAN GIMIGNANO - Ms Olivia Kendal (a1.5/52kg)
Race 4: 22e BACETTI - Ms Bella Youngberry (a3/54kg)
Race 6: 16e SUPER DUCK - Ms Georgina Cartwright
Race 6: 17e OUTWEIGHED - Ms Bella Youngberry (a)
Race 8: 19e CALL OUT - Ms Bella Youngberry (a3/54kg)

Late scratchings
Race 8: 20 LASQUETI BOOM (Vets @ 9:07pm)
 
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.