QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

MACKAY TURF CLUB

SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025
 

WEATHER –Overcast
TRACK RATING –Good 4
RAIL – +2m 900-400; +2.5m 400-W/Post; True Remainder

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R. Neal
Stewards – P. Warren, J. McIntosh, O. Legg, A. Dowsett.
 
 
GENERAL
 
*  Stewards permitted the following overweights:

Race 4 – A. Sewell +0.5kg
Race 5 – A. Bulter +0.5kg
Race 5 – A. Thompson +1kg
Race 7 – P. Hamblin +1kg
Race 7 – S. Cormack +1kg
 
*  Apprentice Nikki Olzard was unable to attend today’s meeting because of illness and was subsequently replaced as per the Race Day Summary.

 
*  Following declaration of riders on Thursday 24th July 2025 Racing Queensland advised that the meeting classification had been amended from Country to Provincial. This change resulted in the changes to Apprentice claims with the race fields amended to show the revised claims available.

 
* Stewards questioned rider Aiden Thompson regarding him being declared for two runners in Race 8 today. Given all circumstances Mr Thompson was reprimanded AR190(3) and firmly reminded of his obligations that rest with him under the rule.

 

RACE 1: STARCUT FLOWERS MAIDEN HANDICAP 1100 M

COOL CONWAY – Began awkwardly and lost ground. After performing below market expectations, underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed minor abrasions to its near foreleg, consistent with being galloped on.
 
EXTREMELY FRILLY – Passing the 800m, steadied from the heels of MISHANI AMORE. Had difficultly obtaining clear running on entering the home straight.
 
MOOCHI STARLIGHT – Began awkwardly. Over raced during the early and middle stages. Inconvenienced passing the 200m. Laid in over the final 100m. 
 
RAVENITE – Laid out over the final 100 metres and approaching the post shifted out crowding DAWN EMBERS out onto MOOCHI STARLIGHT
 
DAWN EMBERS – Shifted out under pressure passing the 200m and inconvenienced MOOCHI STARLIGHT. Crowded passing the winning post and steadied from the hind quarters of RAVENITE.
 
CHIARO DI LUNA – Slow to begin.
 
MISHANI AMORE – Passing the 800m, steadied from the heels of COOL CONWAY which shifted in when insufficiently clear. Jockey Sean Cormack rider of COOL CONWAY was reprimanded pursuant to AR 131(a) for this incident. In assessing this matter the Stewards recognised that COOL CONWAY, which was having its first race start, was inclined to race greenly when being ridden forward.
 
 
RACE 2: TORQUE ENTERPRISES RATINGS BAND 0 - 60 HANDICAP (QTIS BONUSES APPLICABLE FOR 3,4&5YO'S) 1100 M
 
The start of this race was delayed after LITTLE MISS BELLE refused to load and was subsequently declared a late scratching at 12:56pm. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, LITTLE MISS BELLE must obtain a further barrier certificate before racing again. Stewards declared that all bets placed on LITTLE MISS BELLE be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st – WOODSTOCK ROCK 0c win, 1c place
2nd – RICH AGAIN 2c place
3rd – ANDIRON 2c place
 
THE KRONE – Bounded on jumping and lost ground.
 
KAI MONDO – Raced wide throughout.
 
ANDIRON – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was cleared to start. Shifted out on jumping and bumped CRIMSON DECIPHER. Jockey Jackson Murphy expressed concerns post-race about the mare’s action in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
WOODSTOCK ROCK – Jockey Ryan Wiggins reported his saddle shifted backwards on jumping, placing him at a disadvantage.
 
FLYING ANIMO – Apprentice McKenzie Apel was questioned regarding the performance of the heavily supported runner. She explained that after working hard to obtain a handy position, the gelding came off the bridle and, despite her efforts, struggled to maintain its position. Trainer Ricky Vale advised that he believed the gelding was unsuited to the quick back-up from racing on 18/7/2025 and would be sent for a spell. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
CRIMSON DECIPHER – Bumped at the start when ANDIRON shifted out.

RACE 3: PENSKE MACKAY BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP 1200 M
 
AMICUS CURIAE – Held up rounding the home turn and until passing the 200m.
 
CAPO STRADA – Slow to begin.
 
FORTRESS AUSTRALIA – Jockey Ashley Butler reported the gelding over-raced throughout, which he believed affected its performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
REGGIE'S BOY – Raced wide throughout.
 
DIVINE OKAY – Began awkwardly.
 
GALBALAN – Slow to begin.
 

RACE 4: BELLE OF WHITSUNDAY FILLIES AND MARES BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP 1560 M
 
Correct weight was delayed as Jockey Ashley Butler was slow to return to scale. He was subsequently assessed by QAS officers and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.
 
STREET GLORY – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare was displaying cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer John Wigginton was advised that STREET GLORY would require a veterinary clearance, including an ECG and a cardiac auscultation performed within 15 minutes of the horse completing a satisfactory 1000m gallop.
 
TIGON PRINCESS – Over-raced during the early and middle stages.
 
WELL RESTED – Jockey Adam Sewell was reminded of his obligations regarding use of the whip on a horse that is no longer in contention.
 
RACE 5: MAGIC MILLIONS WHITSUNDAY GUINEAS QTIS 3YO HANDICAP 1560 M
 
 
Correct weight was delayed to allow connections of 3rd-placed IRAMA to view the final 300 metres with consideration of lodging a protest. Jockey Ashley Butler, rider of IRAMA, subsequently lodged a protest against 1st-placed ASTRA STAR, alleging interference early in the final straight. After considering submissions and reviewing footage, Stewards determined that while IRAMA had to steady shortly after entering the straight, the interference was primarily caused by THORMENDOUS MISS laying out under pressure, which shifted ASTRA STAR outward and into IRAMA’s running. The protest was dismissed and correct weight was declared.
 
COLE'S BEST – Reared at the start and made heavy contact with the barriers. Jockey Ryan Wiggins became severely unbalanced, and the gelding lost significant ground. Raced fiercely near the 1200m when the pace steadied. Trainer Lindsay Hatch was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding for its barrier manners. Post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
ASTRA STAR – Raced wide during the early stages.
 
BELMONT PARK – Slow into stride.
 
THORMENDOUS MISS – Laid out passing the 250m.
 
I'M STELLAR – Over-raced during the early stages.
 
 
RACE 6: MC BUTCHERY CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1300 M

COUNTER (GB) – Jockey Aidan Holt reported his mount laid in under pressure in the back straight as he adjusted his right-side iron.
 
MAJOR LOOK – Over raced during the early stages.
 
ODEGAARD – Reared as the start was affected, making heavy contact with the barrier structure, losing several lengths in consequence. Trainer Joshua Manzelmann was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding for its barrier manners. Jockey Aiden Thompson pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR115(1)(a) after misconducting himself by directing offensive comments toward the barrier staff after the start and when returning to scale. Given all circumstances, including the content of the remarks made, Jockey Thompson’s record, and the remorse demonstrated, the Stewards imposed a fine of $1,000.00 with $500.00 suspended for two years pending no further breaches of conduct related rules. 
 
ALBANIAN BAY – Raced wide throughout.
 
TERMINUS – A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 

RACE 7: LADBROKES MACKAY CUP 2000 M

LOGAN STREET LION (NZ) – Raced wide early until approaching the 1300m and was then taken forward to lead.
 
ALCYONE – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
 
ANDALUS (NZ) – Connections advised that the gelding would be ridden more forward if circumstances permit – settled mid-field.
 
KIPLING'S JOURNEY – Began awkwardly and lost ground.
 
AIMPOINT – Gave ground from the 700m and finished well back. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
QUOTHQUAN – Raced wide throughout.
 
OUTBACK ACTION – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SIR GRACE (NZ) – Laid out under hard riding over the final 200m.

 
RACE 8: TELLY'S LAST RACE BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 2000 M

BLAZERRO – Shifted out on jumping.
 
MORDECAI – Slow to begin and hampered shortly after the start, consequently losing ground. Made the first turn awkwardly Held up for a short distance passing the 800 metres.  Stewards noted rider Georgina Cartwright exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m (+ three) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use no further action was taken.
 
SHABOOH SHALAA – Slow to begin.
 
GREGARIOUS – Began awkwardly.
 
VANCOUVER BAY – Jockey Ashley Butler reported at scale that the gelding had over raced throughout the event.
 
BELLA TIVACI (NZ) – Slow to begin and hampered shortly after the start.
 
ALIGN THE PLANETS – Apprentice Cobi Vitler was reminded of his obligations to of using his whip on his mount which is no longer in contention.
 
CARACRISTI – Shifted in on jumping. Over raced during the middle stages.
 
FLOP TURN RIVER – Jockey Ryan Wiggins contacted the Stewards after the declaration of riders to advise that he was unable to fulfil his engagement on FLOP TURN RIVER due to him being booked on an early flight out of Mackay. Jockey Wiggins adding that his agent had been unable to contact the connections of the gelding to advise of the situation. Given all circumstances the Stewards permitted a change of rider with Christopher McIvor taking the mount. However, Jockey Wiggins was firmly reminded of his obligations with respect to his engagements. Improved onto heels near the 1,400m and had to be restrained.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 1 – Jockey S. Cormack – [AR 131(a)] – careless riding
Race 8 – Jockey A. Thompson – [AR 190(3)] – dual engagement.
 
Fines
Race 6 – Jockey A. Thompson – [AR 115(1)(a)] – jockey misconduct - $1,000.00 fine, ($500.00 suspended for two years).
 
Absent jockeys
N. Olzard – ill, medical required. 

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
GEE UP, CAPRICORNUS; RICH AGAIN; THE KRONE; DIVINE OKAY; CHICKERARTIE; MOON OVER MATILDA; IRAMA; HYPE (IRE); LOGAN STREET LION; KIPLING’S JOURNEY; QUOTHQUAN.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2 – LITTLE MISS BELLE – refused to load – further barrier certificate required.
Race 4 – STREET GLORY – cardiac arrythmia – veterinary clearance inclusive of ECG, gallop 1,000 meters & a cardiac auscultation.
Race 5 – COLE’S BEST – barrier manners
Race 6 – ODEGAARD – barrier manners
 
Protests
Race 5 – 3rd vs 1st – dismissed.

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 1:         3 GEE UP - Cobi Vitler (a2/54kg),
                     5 CAPRICORNUS - Ms McKenzie Apel (a3/54kg),
                     10 MISHANI AMORE - Ms Olivia Kendal (a2/52kg),
Race 2:         3 CAPITAL LOVER - Ms Olivia Kendal (a2/52kg),
                     10 FLYING ANIMO - Ms McKenzie Apel (a3/54kg),
Race 3:         2 AMICUS CURIAE - Cobi Vitler (a2/54kg),
                     8 DIVINE OKAY - Ms McKenzie Apel (a3/54kg),
Race 5:         10 THORMENDOUS MISS -
Race 6:         5 DEALING’S DONE - Cobi Vitler (a2/54kg),
                     9 ALBANIAN BAY - Ms Olivia Kendal (a2/52kg),
                     12 THE PENSKE FILE -
Race 7:         4 ANDALUS (NZ) - Ms Olivia Kendal (a),
Race 8:         1 BLAZERRO - Ms Leah Martyn (a3/50kg),
                     2 MORDECAI - Ms Georgina Cartwright
                     4 GREGARIOUS - Ms Olivia Kendal (a2/52kg),
                     8 ALIGN THE PLANETS - Cobi Vitler (a2/54kg),

Late scratchings
 
Race 2 – LITTLE MISS BELLE – late scratching at 12:56pm – refused to load.

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.