QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
MACKAY TURF CLUB
 
MACKAY – FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER 2023
 
WEATHER – FINE            TRACK RATING – GOOD 4                  RAIL – TRUE
PENETROMETER – 4.8
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – T. Hudson
Stewards – E. Suli, S. Coulthard & D. Macklyn
Clerk of Scales – H. Gillett
Judge – S. Bryant
Veterinarian – Dr B. Pullen
Swab Attendants – N. Paull
Starter – B. Burnell
 
Race 1: LADBROKE IT! QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP (1050 Metres)
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately 3 minutes as Jockey L. Tilley had experienced delays with transport to the racecourse.
 
OFFANGO – Shifted out abruptly making heavy contact with ROCKET POWER.
 
TELEKI – Carried in by DUBIOUS AUTHORITY on jumping and bumped with MISHANI STYLE shortly after the start. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
PERFORMATIVE – Bounded on jumping and shifted out, bumping with MISHANI STYLE and was crowded shortly after. Near the 850m had to steady momentarily and shift out to the avoid the heels of TELEKI which shifted in. Jockey L. Tilley was reminded of his obligations to ensure sufficient room when allowing his mount to shift in.
 
ROCKET POWER – Bumped on jumping by OFFANGO which shifted out abruptly and SECRET ENCRYPTION. Had to steady momentarily and ease of the heels of DUBIOUS AUTHORITY which had shifted in. Jockey J. Stanley was reminded of his obligations to ensure sufficient room when allowing his mount to shift in. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
SECRET ENCRYPTION – Shifted in on jumping, bumping ROCKET POWER. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
MISHANI STYLE – Bumped on jumping by PERFORMATIVE and shortly after was bumped by TELEKI which was carried in by DUBIOUS AUTHORITY.
 
 
Race 2: SMARTSTATE RENTALS QTIS MAIDEN HANDICAP (1050 Metres)
 
The start of the event was delayed approximately 5 minutes after FANCIFUL MR FOX broke through the barriers and had to be recaptured after completing a circuit. FANCIFUL MR FOX was subsequently declared a late scratching at 12:45pm Prior to the declaration of correct weight stewards ordered that all monies invested on FANCIFUL MR FOX be refunded with the following deductions to be applied to all successful wagers;
 
43 cents in the dollar for the win NELLYATION
35 cents in the dollar for the place of the winner NELLYATION
34 cents in the dollar for 2nd place DEEP SILENCE
25 cents in the dollar for 3rd place VOLARCHI
 
When accessing appropriate action in this circumstance, stewards were mindful of FANCIFUL MR FOX’s clear record over 13 career starts, Jockey R. Wiggins’ evidence and the mitigating circumstances regarding other runners becoming fractious. Subsequently Trainer M. Geaney was advised that a warning would be placed on the geldings record for its barrier manners.
 
INREADYNESS – Raced wide throughout. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
DEEP SILENCE – When questioned regarding the tactics adopted and in particular if there was an opportunity to take up a position closer to the rail in early stages of the event, Apprentice O. Kendal stated her instructions were to lead if possible but after being only moderately to begin and with other runners showing superior early speed, she attempted to take up a trailing position behind I SAY BOOM. Apprentice Kendal added that she was mindful of taking up a position on the rail as at the mare’s only career start at Home Hill on November 28th, DEEP SILENCE raced in that position and didn’t race in the manner that was expected by trainer K Miller. Apprentice Kendal further added that due to this, she wanted to place her mount in a position that DEEP SILENCE was comfortable with and would ensure that the mare would be able to make a long unimpeded run into the event. Stewards noted the explanation.
 
VADER BANG YAHOO – Stood flat footed as the start was affected and missed the jump by a considerable distance. Trainer J. Manzelmann was advised that a warning would be placed on the gelding’s record. In assessing an appropriate action in this circumstance, stewards were mindful that VADER BANG YAHOO had been standing in the gates for an extended period of time due to the delays caused by other runners.
 
THE REAL DIVA – Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
LIZA IN LIGHTS – Fractious in the barriers prior to jumping. Jumped away awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin.
 
LIL'S CHOICE – Slow to begin.
 
Race 3: LADBROKE RACING CLUB QTIS MAIDEN HANDICAP (1050 Metres)
 
The start of the event was delayed approximately 3 minutes after SNUGGLE BANG YAHOO had to be recaptured after dislodging its rider, Apprentice M. Apel, and galloped a short distance upon entering the course proper. SNUGGLE BANG YAHOO underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the barriers and was cleared to start.
 
KING INTEFT – Hampered on jumping by DIVINE KAMEHALANI which shifted out and SWEET CATENA which shifted in.
 
MISHANI OUTLAW – Tailed off from the remainder of the field from the 600m, taking no further competitive part in the event. Laid in over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the performance of the gelding in today’s event, Jockey A. Butler stated that his mount failed to travel throughout the event and failed to respond to his riding, going to the line in a disappointing manner. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer J. Manzelmann was advised that MISHANI OUTLAW’s nominations would be refused atTAB events until it has proved consistent form at the NON-TAB events.
 
HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE – Shifted in on jumping, bumping with CYBER JAM.
 
BICEPS – Overraced in the early stages. Raced wide in the early and middle stages. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
HEROIC EAGLE – Near the 850m commenced to overrace and had to be steadied when awkwardly placed onto the heels of ICE SKATER, then shifted in bumping SWEET CATENA near the 800m.
 
CYBER JAM – Shifted out on jumping, bumping with HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE. Raced wide throughout.
 
DIVINE KAMEHALANI – Shifted out on jumping, hampering KING INTEFT.
 
ICE SKATER – Raced wide throughout.
 
SWEET CATENA – Shifted in on jumping hampering KING INTEFT. Near the 800m was bumped by HEROIC EAGLE which had shifted in when overracing.
 
Race 4: BRIGHT LIGHT MARKETING CLASS 3 PLATE      (1560 Metres)
 
FLYING ARION – Bumped with HE’S THE ONE on jumping. Apprentice O. Kendal was fined $500 under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using her whip 9 times prior to the 100m, 4 more than permitted.
 
JOE'S GIGGLE – Hung in for a few strides near the 1350m.
 
KEY TO THE ZOU – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
LENNY ROCKET – Was fractious in the barriers prior to jumping.
 
MURRAJONG ROAD (NZ) – Trainer K. Smyth was reprimanded under the provisions of AR106 for presenting MURRAJONG ROAD (NZ) to race with blinkers instead of winkers. In determining penalty, stewards took into consideration that this was Trainer Smyth’s first breach of this rule in over 24 years. Jumped away awkwardly.
 
HE'S THE ONE – Bumped with FLYING ARION on jumping.
 
Race 5: KEY SOLUTIONS GROUP CLASS 3 HANDICAP (1200 Metres)
 
ONCHAO – Slow to begin.
 
BULLOCK ISLAND – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
DIASONIC – Laid out rounding the home turn near the 600m. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
MR TANGLES – Shifted out and bumped with BOOMALINA shortly after the start. Momentarily tightened when weakening over the concluding stages. 
 
NIC ME SOME – Jockey R. Wiggins was fined $200 under the provisions of AR190(3) for accepting a ride when overweight. Jockey R. Wiggins was subsequently replaced as per the steward’s race day summary. Held up for majority of the home straight before obtaining clear racing room near the 100m.
 
DISONEY – Bumped by ACT OF ROYALTY near the 1050m.
 
SCHATZI – Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BOOMALINA – Bumped shortly after the start by MR TANGLES which had shifted out.
 
ACT OF ROYALTY – Bounded on jumping. Near the 1050m, had to steady and shift out when awkwardly placed onto the heels of BOOMALINA and bumped with DISONEY.
 
Race 6: SHEDS & GARAGES MACKAY BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (1100 Metres)
 
ACOUSTIX – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
STRATHCONA – Raced wide throughout. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
FLYING SHAMUS – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
HEZAGEM – Slow to begin. Approaching the 600m had to ease and shift wider to avoid the heels of QUEENSLANDER. Had to shift out off the heels of CINDERELLA MAN to obtain clear racing room near the 300m.
 
GRACIOUS GARCON – Slow into stride.
 
CINDERELLA MAN – Raced wide throughout.
 
FOGGY DEW – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout.
 
QUEENSLANDER – Approaching the 600m had to be restrained and shifted wider when awkwardly placed onto the heels of WANNA TWEET for a number of strides.
 
Race 7: MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE MTC BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (1800 Metres)
 
KOPANGI (NZ) – Jumped away awkwardly and was slow to begin. Laid in over the concluding stages.
 
DEVIL KICK – Had to be taken wider to avoid the heels of BRAZEN BRECCIA which was allowed to lay out under pressure near the 250m. Apprentice G. Semmens was reminded of her obligations to stop and straightening her mounts sooner than she had on this occasion.
 
LEICA BITA FUN – Jockey W. Satherley was fined $400 under the provisions of AR132(5) for using his whip 15 times in totality, 1 more than permitted.
 
LADY OF FORTUNE – Near the 150m had to steady to avoid the heels of VITESSE FRANCAIS which was allowed to shift in when insufficiently to do so. Jockey A. Butler was reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) in allowing his mounts to shift when insufficiently clear.
 
CONQUERING JUDAS – Jumped away awkwardly. Laid in when placed under pressure over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the improved performance, trainer G Hughes stated that he wasn’t overly surprised by the performance as CONQUERING JUDAS has performed over distanced races which was evident with previous wins over distances of 1900m. He added that with the earlier rainfall this morning on the track, felt that it was beneficial to the geldings’ chances with a bit of sting out of the track. He further added that CONQUERING JUDAS was also heavily aided by the ride of C Whiteley. Trainer Hughes further stated that CONQUERING JUDAS is owned by himself and his wife and provided evidence that they had supported the gelding. Stewards noted the explanation.
 
Race 8: RACING AGAIN FRIDAY 5TH JAN RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP (1300 Metres)
 
Stewards inquired into an incident regarding FORCESOME blundering badly shortly after the start and losing considerable ground. After taking evidence from Jockeys M. Butler (FORCESOME), J. Stanley (STAVANGER) and Apprentice M. Apel (CHATILLY) it was noted that after beginning only fairly, FORCESOME was then ridden with vigour to take up a forward position. At this time several runners had begun on terms and were attempting to find their positions in the race which resulted in SHADOW PROJECT racing tight with ALEACO to it outside who in turn had STAVANGER to its outside. After racing tight ALEACO slightly shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of STAVANGER who then shifted out and away marginally. This then resulted in FORCESOME to its outside overreacting to being taken marginally wider by that runner and becoming awkwardly placed on the heels of CHATILLY who was simultaneously attempting to take up a forward position. As stewards’ could not be comfortably satisfied that any one rider was at fault, the incident was reported as racing incident.
 
ALEACO – Raced wide throughout. Raced tight in the early stages and shifted out brushing the hindquarters of STAVANGER.
 
SHADOW PROJECT – Raced tightly in the early stages.
 
PRIOR THOUGHTS – Slow to begin. Stewards intend to speak Apprentice O. Kendal regarding her whip use prior to the 100m.
 
YUBETIDO – Slow to begin. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room until nearing the 100m. Laid in when placed under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
STAVANGER - Brushed by the hindquarters of ALEACO near the 1200m and shifted out and away from the runner.
 
WINTILLY – Slow to begin.
 
APRIL LOVE – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
TOM ROCKS – Slow to begin. Had to be eased to avoid heels over the concluding stages.
 
FORCESOME – Jumped away awkwardly. Blundered badly and lost considerable ground near the 1200m when the filly overreacted to being taken wider by STAVANGER who shifted out marginally. Raced wide throughout.
 
ZAKHEERA – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. Had to steady momentarily to avoid the heels of YUBETIDO near the 100m.
 
FLYING CARMEN – Raced wide throughout.
 
Race 9: LADBROKE COMMUNITIES BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP (1300 Metres)
 
SOLE HEIR – Raced wide throughout. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
GOLDEN ATHENA – Slow to begin.
 
KOTABHARU – Raced wide throughout.
 
REAL KEY – Overraced in the early stages and had to be steadied for a number of strides.
 
TYCOON BABY – Stewards inquired into Apprentice T. Fenlon riding over the concluding stages and in particular her riding out of her mount over the final stages. After viewing the stewards patrol footage, and taking evidence from Apprentice Fenlon, stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that her actions cost TYCOON BABY 3rd place, however Apprentice Fenlon was reminded of her obligations regarding the need to ride her mounts out fully to the line, so she does not leave her actions open to questioning.
 
SABOR – Had to be steadied and shift out to avoid the heels of PANKHURST (NZ) near the 1000m and was forced to race wide from this point onwards. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
PANKHURST (NZ) – Had to be steadied to avoid the heels of MCNAIR (NZ) near the 1000m.
 
AIDENABET – Jockey J Murphy reported to stewards that near the 300m when he used the whip on AIDENABET for the first time, his mount laid in and he was forced to stop and straighten. When attempting to then pull the whip again shortly after, he lost control of his right hand rein and had to make adjustments to correct this which took a number of strides. He added that in the circumstances he was pleased with the effort of AIDENABET over the concluding stages once he was able to fully test the gelding again.
 
MCNAIR (NZ) – Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 4 – Trainer Kerrod Smyth – AR106 – presented MURRAJONG ROAD (NZ) with incorrect gear
 
Race 7 – Jockey Ashley Butler – AR131(a) – careless riding
 
 
Fines
Race 4 – Apprentice Olivia Kendal – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of the whip 9 times prior to the 100m – $400
 
Race 5 – Jockey Ryan Wiggins – AR190(3) – Unable to make allotted weight on NIC ME SOME – $200
 
Race 7 – Jockey Warwick Satherley – AR132(5) – Use of the whip 15 times in totality – $400
 
Adjourned inquiries         
Race 7 – Apprentice Olivia Kendal – Whip use prior to the 100m
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
FANCIFUL MR FOX and ICE SKATER
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 2 – VADER BANG YAHOO – Warning – Stood Flat Footed
Race 3 – MISHANI OUTLAW – Nominations refused at TAB events
 
Summary of late rider changes/notifications
 
Race 5 – NIC ME SOME – W Satherley replacing R Wiggins
Race 8 – ZAKHEERA – (a) T Fenlon
 
Late scratchings
 
Race 2 – FANCIFUL MR FOX – Late Scratching @ 12:45pm
 
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.