QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

AQUIS PARK GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

21st FEBRUARY 2026

WEATHER – Fine TRACK RATING – Soft (5); Good (4) at 12.10pmRAIL – +3M 900M – W/Post; +2M Remainder
PENETROMETER – 4.92

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – K. Daly
Stewards – B. Wright, A. Schofield, T. Hendy
Clerk of Scales – P. Reardon
 

GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweight:
Race 4. S. Cormack +0.5kg

 
RACE 1:VIVA RACING MAIDEN HANDICAP            1400 Metres
 
VERBALIZE – Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
FLOP SHOT – Raced wide throughout.
 
CULTURAL ATTACHE – Over raced for some distance between the 1100m and the 800m.
 
MISS ANDERS – Underwent a veterinary examination after being kicked by another runner on arrival at the barriers and was cleared to start. Passing the 200m, apprentice O. Kendal desisted from pressuring the filly as she was of the belief that MISS ANDERS may have choked down. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Raced wide throughout.
 
MOMENT – Near the 1100m, when over racing, had to be steadied from the heels of VERBALIZE. Raced wide throughout.
 
SATURDAYS GIRL – Jumped inwards at the start and checked HOT MISS.
 
FANTASTICMISS – Slow to begin. Over raced in the early stages.
 
SAVEUR – Over raced in the early stages.
 
HOT MISS – Checked at the start when SATURDAY’S GIRL jumped in.
 
MISSILE AWAY – Laid in under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.
 
HOPETOUN PARK – When the gelding, which was having its first start for the Venkaya stable, was unable to have the tongue tie applied in race day tie up stall, Stewards permitted HOPETOUN PARK to race without that piece of gear.
 
 
 
RACE 2: BENDWORX STEEL SOLUTIONS QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS MAIDE                1200 Metres
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately 3 minutes when SENSE OF DUTY became fractious and became cast in the barriers, and was declared a late scratching at 1.41pm. LUKE SKYWALKER, which was drawn alongside SENSE OF DUTY, also underwent a veterinary examination and found to have lacerations to the left hind leg and was also declared a late scratching at 1.41pm. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards declared that all bets placed on SENSE OF DUTY and LUKE SKYWALKER be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
1st FASVARA 9c win, 12c place
2nd BOSS MODE 5c place
3rd YEAH BUDDY 14c place
 
Trainer M. Hoysted was advised that SENSE OF DUTY will require a further barrier certificate prior to racing again. Trainer’s representative for the Gollan stable was advised that LUKE SKYWALKER will require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
Correct weight was further delayed when the trainer of the sixth placegetter viewed the photo for fifth place.
 
BOSS MODE – Laid in under pressure in the early stages of the home straight
 
YEAH BUDDY – Near the 200m, bumped and became momentarily unbalanced when FASVARA shifted out to improve.
 
FASVARA – Slow to begin.
 
PORCELAIN PRINCE – Raced keenly for a short distance passing the 900m. Held up for clear running from the 500m until the entrance to the home straight.
 
BLUE WHITE BLUE – Near the 500m, when racing keenly, had to be restrained from the heels of PRECISE TORQUE. When asked to comment of the performance, rider R. Wiggins stated that the gelding was inclined to over race in the early stages, however when placed under pressure in the home straight was somewhat disappointing.
 
 
 
RACE 3: STEPHEN MCLEAN RACING QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD FILLIES MAIDEN HANDICAP           1200 Metres
 
COCHELA – Slow to begin. COCHELA commenced to lay out from the 500m until the early stages of the home straight. Tired noticeably in the home straight. In noting it was the filly’s first race start, Trainer W. King was advised that a warning would be placed on COCHELA for being uncompetitive.
 
SHOWN THE DOOR – When asked to comment on the performance, rider B. Lerena reported that in his opinion, the filly, is better ridden further back in the field.
 
ENERGIA – On arrival at the barriers underwent a veterinary examination after contacting a fence in the mounting enclosure and cleared to start. Raced wide throughout. Crowded on jumping away.
 
CHAYSE 'N' BODHI – Began awkwardly.
 
GEITZ – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide for the majority.
 
CRYSTAL GARDEN – Jumped in at the start and crowded ENERGIA.
 
SAN GIMIGNANO – In the presence of trainer D. Stanbridge and RQ apprentice coach M. Cahill, Stewards questioned apprentice O. Kendal regarding tactics adopted in the race, in particular the speed set in the middle stages. Ms Kendal advised that with the blinkers being applied for the first time, she was instructed to take up a forward position. She added that after being obliged to ride forward in the early stages to take up the leading position, she attempted to restrain near the 900m however was unsuccessful, and as a consequence SAN GIMIGNANO travelled keenly, before pressuring the filly from the 500m, with the filly weakening noticeably soon after entering the home straight. Trainer D. Stanbridge confirmed the instructions issued, however expressed some disappointment in that SAN GIMIGNANO was allowed to travel strongly in the middle stages and be under full pressure from the 400m. After viewing the patrol footage and considering comments from both Ms Stanbridge and Mr Cahill, Stewards were of the belief that Ms Kendal had erred in failing to make greater effort to restrain SAN GIMIGNANO in the middle stages, however after taking into account the addition of blinkers today and the instructions to race in a more forward position, Stewards took no further action.  
 
 
 
RACE 4: STEPHEN MCLEAN RACING QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD FILLIES MAIDEN HANDICAP         1200 Metres
 
LIVING FREE – Apprentice B. Youngberry reported in her opinion the gelding is better suited in races over a shorter distance than that of today. Apprentice B. Youngberry pled guilty to a charge pursuant to AR131(b) in that she failed to ride her mount out fully to the finish line and as a result her actions did cost her mount fifth place. In determining penalty, Stewards were mindful of Ms Youngberry’s good record in relation to this rule, and she was fined $200.
 
BENGAL BOY – Slow to begin.
 
MR O'REILLY – Rider M. Hellyer was dislodged enroute to the barriers and cleared by QAS to fulfill his engagement. MR O’REILLY underwent a veterinary examination and the gelding was cleared to start. Following the running of this race, Hellyer reported that he was experiencing some discomfort in his right shoulder.
 
 
RACE 5: MATTHEW DUNN RACING HANDICAP         1800 Metres
 
TAJAWAL (IRE) – Raced wide from the 800m.
 
GUARDED OPTIMIST (NZ) – Held up for clear running from the 500m until passing the 200m.
 
HEIKA – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
ALDEENAARY (IRE) – Raced wide in the early stages. Disappointed for a run in the early stages of the home straight.  
 
WILL IT SNOW (NZ) – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Near the 300m, hampered for a short distance when HURRICANE ROSIE laid out.
 
HURRICANE ROSIE – Near the 300m, laid out, bumped on the hindquarters and became momentarily unbalanced.
 
WANDA'S OUTLAW – Slow to muster speed.
 
 
 
RACE 6: WIDDEN STUD BM65 HANDICAP         2050 Metres
 
EYE OF THE EAGLE – Crowded on jumping between MERCHANT LADY and JUNGLE LAW. Raced keenly in the early stages whilst being restrained.  
 
STANISLAUS – Shortly after the start, steadied from the heels of BEAN FOGGY when being restrained to obtain a position closer to the rail. When asked to comment, rider B. Thornton could offer no excuse for the disappointing performance. Trainer D. Maher advised that the gelding would now be sent for a spell.
 
YOSHINO – Jumped in at the start.
 
BEAN FOGGY – Near the 900m crowded for room and had to be restrained to avoid the heels of JUNGLE LAW (F. Larsen) which shifted in before being corrected. Jockey Larsen was subsequently severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding in this incident.
 
JUNGLE LAW – Jumped in abruptly at the start. Shifted out under pressure over the final 100m.
 
MERCHANT LADY – Jumped out at the start.
 
BALTRAY – Checked on jumping after being bumped.
 
 
RACE 7: CORNERSTONE RISK GROUP CLASS 5 HANDICAP             1200 Metres
 
ARCHERS REIGN – Raced keenly early middle stages.  Raced wide for the majority of the event.
 
MINTO'S PRINCE – Raced wide three throughout with cover.
 
SHIRLEY PEARLY – When asked to comment on the apparent improved performance, representative for the Wilson stable reported that the mare was first up today, and this was the commencement of its second preparation. He added SHIRLEY PEARLY had been working well leading into today’s event, and the stable was not surprised by todays forward showing.
 
YEAH COPY – Held up approaching and rounding the home turn. Approaching the 200m, momentarily crowded for room between ELYSIUM which shifted out, and MOONLIGHT KICKS. Laid out under pressure approaching the 100m before being corrected by its rider.
 
KETTLEBELL – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Held up for a short distance between the 350m and the 250m.
 
IRON GRACE – Raced wide throughout.
 
GOLD DAZZLER – Rider F. Larsen was dislodged enroute to the barriers and cleared by QAS to fulfill his engagement. Slow to begin. GOLD DAZZLER was examined by the club vet on arrival at the barriers and cleared to start.
 
 
 
RACE 8: EZY PROJECTS 0 - 58 HANDICAP            1400 Metres
 
WATERMELON – Near the 1200m, momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of WAVERLEY.
 
KIRORO PEAK (NZ) – Slow to begin.
 
TOOLATEMATE – When asked to comment on the tactics adopted in leading today’s event, jockey Y. Lewis stated that it had not been her intention to lead however, after beginning well, and with limited speed shown by runners to her inside, after being caught wide in the early stages, she elected to allow TOOLATEMATE to stride forward and obtain the lead passing the 900m.
 
SUNNY DISPOSITION – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
HELLO LOVELY – Began awkwardly. Near the 1200m, whilst over racing, momentarily steadied from heels of TOOLATEMATE. Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 6. Jockey F. Larsen – careless riding – AR131(a) – severe reprimand.


Fines
Race 4. Apprentice B. Youngberry – fail to ride out to finish – AR131(b) - $200.

 

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
KIPLING’S JOURNEY, CAPITAL ASSET, JUSTICE SERVED, ARCHER’S REIGN, LET’S DO IT AGAIN.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2. SENSE OF DUTY – cast in barriers/late scratching – further barrier certificate required
Race 2. LUKE SKYWALKER – lacerations left hind/late scratching – veterinary clearance required.
Race 3. COCHELA – uncompetitive – warning.

 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1. 15. SAVEUR – S. Cormack
Race 1. 19. HOPETOUN PARK – K. Zechner
Race 3. 20. CRYSTAL GARDEN – K. Zechner
Race 7. 22. LISSARO – B. Ainsworth
Race 8. 15. SUNNY DISPOSITION – L. Martyn
Race 8. 17. WAVERLEY – K. Zechner
Race 8. 21. VORKUTA – B. Lerena
 


Late scratchings
Race 2. SENSE OF DUTY – cast in barriers – L/Scr @1.41pm.
Race 2. LUKE SKYWALKER – left hind lacerations – L/ Scr @1.41pm.

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.