QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

MACKAY TURF CLUB

FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2025

WEATHER – FINE 
TRACK RATING –  GOOD 4      
RAIL – TRUE
PENETROMETER – 4.9

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – H Gillett
Stewards – S Larkins, E Suli, H Matthews & G Wust
 
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards approved overweights as per the race day summary.
 
As jockey P Hamblin was not riding at today’s meeting due to acceptable personal reasons rider replacements are as per the race day summary.

 
RACE 1: LADBROKES BIG BETS BM60 HANDICAP 1800m
 
FINAL COMMENT – Bumped on jumping by CASH ARTIST, which shifted inwards, and was carried inwards impeding FLYBALL. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BIKER – Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
MORDECAI – Shifted outwards on jumping, impeding FLYBALL shortly after. Overraced in the early stages and had to be restrained when briefly placed on to the heels of CASH ARTIST near the 1600m. Raced in restricted room for a stride rounding the turn near the 1300m. Raced wide from a point passing the 1050m. Stewards questioned apprentice Amie Meissner, in the presence of senior rider Ashley Butler, regarding her decision to restrain near the 1400m to trail FLYBALL and then further her decision to elect to shift three-wide in an attempt to improve near the 1050m, which ultimately resulted in her mount racing wide for some distance before giving ground over the concluding stages to be beaten 6 lengths. Apprentice Meissner advised that racing towards the 1400m, she felt as though FLYBALL was travelling better than her own mount at that stage, therefore she elected to restrain with the intention to find cover behind that runner. Apprentice Meissner added that soon after obtaining cover, her mount commenced to overrace for some distance and approaching the 1050m, she felt that there was an opportunity to improve around FLYBALL and gain a position in advance of that runner. Apprentice Meissner then informed stewards that after initiating this move, FLYBALL had commenced to progress forward at the same time, and as a consequence, her own mount was then trapped three-wide. After considering the statements of apprentice Meissner and the assessment provided by senior rider Butler, stewards were of the view that restraining and obtain cover behind FLYBALL at the 1400m was not an unreasonable option, however she had erred in her judgement to elect to shift three-wide at the 1050m, however were of the view that the degree was not of a level that warranted action against her licence. In assessing the matter, stewards were mindful of apprentice Meissner’s lack of racing experience and her understanding of the tempo of races conducted on grass track surfaces in comparison to those of dirt/sand, which the majority of her racing career had been performed on.
 
CASH ARTIST – Shifted inwards on jumping, bumping FINAL COMMENT. Inclined to hang inwards in the early stages. Raced keenly throughout.
 
FLYBALL – Began awkwardly and was impeding shortly after the start by MORDECAI which shifted outwards and FINAL COMMENT which was carried inwards by another runner. Raced wide in the early stages. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 

RACE 2: THE INCREDABLE SPRINT QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP 1050M
 
BETTER BLITZEM – Bumped on jumping by I’VEGOTASECRET which shifted inwards. 
 
LONG TALL JAMES – Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced greenly when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
SNAPPEN – Shifted outwards on jumping, bumping WASABI BARBIE.
 
TIGER ROCKET – Began awkwardly. Raced greenly in the home straight and was inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
ANDERS KISS – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Raced wide throughout. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
I'VEGOTASECRET – Shifted inwards on jumping, bumping BETTER BLITZEM. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SCOTCH ROCKET – Was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight. Near the 50m, improved onto the heels of LONG TALL JAMES and had to shift outwards to maintain clear running.
 
SMART BARBIE – Began awkwardly. Inclined to hang out throughout the event. Commenced to weaken approaching the 400m and took no further competitive part in the event. When questioned regarding the performance, jockey Chris McIver stated that throughout the event, SMART BARBIE changed its lead leg on multiple occasions and proved difficult to ride out fully due to the filly’s inclination to hang outwards. Jockey McIver added that after his mount continued to hang out upon entering the home straight, he elected to ease his mount placing it under no further pressure in the event there may have been something amiss with the filly and its action. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to reveal any apparent abnormalities. Trainer K Miller was advised that the filly would be required to trial to the satisfaction of stewards.
 
WASABI BARBIE – Shifted inwards on jumping, bumping SNAPPEN. Raced wide in the early stages.
 

RACE 3: LADBROKES MEGA MULTI CLASS 6 HANDICAP 1560M
 
CAPO STRADA – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
JOURNALISM – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
ODEGAARD – Began awkwardly. Unable to obtain clear racing room in the home straight until a point near the 150m.
 
BRASCO – Overraced in the early and middle stages.
 
LADY TOWNSON (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early and middle stages.
 
RAETIHI (NZ) – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 

RACE 4: VALE JOHN ‘GINGER’ MANZELMANN MAIDEN HANDICAP 1200M
 
EL FORTRESS – Elected to shift wider near the 500m in an attempt to improve. Near the 1100m, was placed in restricted room briefly when CASCIA was carried inwards and RED CITY SUN shifted outwards marginally. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
SHOOTINGOFFTHEHAND – When questioned regarding the performance, jockey Aiden Holt stated that SHOOTINGOFFTHEHAND travelled well in the initial stages, however when asked to respond to his riding when placed under pressure, the gelding failed to respond and proved disappointing over the concluding stages. Trainer Ricky Vale reported that in his opinion, the gelding may not have handled the travel to Mackay today, therefore not performing to expectation and that it will be his intention to start the gelding at its local track for its next future start. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any apparent abnormalities. Trainer R Vale undertook to report to stewards the condition of SHOOTINGOFFTHEHAND in the subsequent days.
 
MAYOR OF KINGSTON – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
RED CITY SUN – Began awkwardly. Shifted outwards near the 1100m, placing EL FORTRESS in restricted room. Raced keenly in the early stages.  
 
SKILFUL ARTIST – Inclined to lay outwards when placed under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
DAVIS JUNIOR – Began awkwardly.
 
CASCIA – Was carried inwards by MAGIC TYLA near the 1100m, placing EL FORTRESS in restricted room. Overraced in the early stages.
 
LOUIS AUGUSTE – Began awkwardly.
 
MAGIC TYLA – Shifted inwards near the 1100m, carrying in CASCIA. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
ZABOOG – Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 

RACE 5: BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS MEETING SAT 6TH DEC BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1200M
 
SINGULAR – Began awkwardly. Shifted wider near the 500m to improve. Raced wide throughout.
 
SPIRIT OF MAC – Slow into stride.
 
MATTEI – Slow to begin. Bumped with SMASHING ROSE near the 1100m. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
WHATTA WHITT – Began awkwardly. Was disappointed for a run upon entering the home straight to the outside of LOOK AT ROSA and had to restrain.
 
DALT JAZ – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
HEY JEALOUSY – Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining a lead position near the 900m.
 
SPIRIT TALKER – Raced wide throughout.
 
ZAYA – Bumped with SILENT ANGEL on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination revealed lameness to the right hind and trainer R Binder was advised that a veterinary clearance is required for the mare prior to her next start.
 
SMASHING ROSIE – Slow to begin. Bumped with MATTEI near the 1100m.
 
MICROWAVE JENNY – Inclined to hung outwards for majority of the event. Trainer David Micallef was advised that a warning would be placed on the mare’s record for hanging out.
 
SILENT ANGEL – Began awkwardly and shifted outwards, bumping ZAYA. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight. Raced wide throughout.  
 

RACE 6: INCREDABLE RECYCLING QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD HANDICAP 1300M
 
DON'TDOUBTHELADY – Bumped by BE BOB ALOOLA, which was carried inwards, and in turn was also carried inwards hampering VALUBIOUS which clipped heels and blundered. Raced keenly in the early stages. Upon entering the home straight shifted outwards under pressure briefly inconveniencing PICNIC BLANKET. Jockey R Wiggins was reminded to ensure he is clear of other runners when shifting ground. Upon returning to scale, jockey Ryan Wiggins reported that over the concluding stages his mount was awkward in its action, therefore he elected to ease his mount and not place it under any unwarranted pressure. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed cardiac arrhythmia. The trainer’s representative was advised that the filly would require a satisfactory ECG report of more than 60 seconds at rest and a satisfactory cardiac auscultation to be performed within 15 minutes of completing a 1000m gallop prior to being permitted to race again.
 
HONOURBEFORE GLORY – Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining a lead position passing the 1050m and commenced to overrace thereafter.
 
THE KOBAY TRAIN – Shifted inwards abruptly, hampering BE BOB ALOOLA.
 
NEV – Bumped by FILLYDELPHIA MISS which shifted inwards shortly after the start.
 
BE BOB ALOOLA – Hampered by THE KOBAY TRAIN on jumping, when that runner shifted inwards abruptly, and was carried inwards bumping with DON’TDOUBTTHELADY and as a result lost ground.
 
FILLYDELPHIA MISS – Shifted inwards shortly after the start and bumped NEV. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
HEROIC TALENT – Overraced in the early stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
PICNIC BLANKET – Laid outwards when rounding the home turn. Briefly inconvenienced upon entering the home straight when DON’TDOUBTHELADY shifted outwards.
 
VALUBIOUS – Bumped by DON’TDOUBTTHELADY, which was carried inwards, and clipped heels and blundered.
 

RACE 7: TALAIR COMPRESSOR SERVICE & HIRE RATINGS BAND 0 - 65 HANDICAP 1300M
 
NORTHUMBRIA – Bumped on jumping by MUTAFIQ which shifted outwards.
 
FLASHBANG – Stood flat footed as the start was effected (2L). Trainer Darby Amos was advised that a further warning would be placed on the gelding’s record, however stewards will monitor its future race starts.
 
LADY MASQUERADE – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Overraced in the early and middle stages.
 
MUTAFIQ – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after competing in the preceding 5 days and was cleared to start. Shifted outwards on jumping, bumping NORTHUMBRIA. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
REPLACE THE ACE – Raced wide throughout. Raced keenly in the early stages. Shifted outwards approaching the 100m, carrying SANTORINI SUMMER wider. Was momentarily inconvenienced by SANTORINI SUMMER which shifted inwards over the final stages. Jockey Chris McIver was reminded of his obligations in not allowing his mounts to shift ground when not fully clear.   
 
NO LOVE LOST – Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
TO LOVE SOMEBODY – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
AIDENABET – Slow to begin. Jockey Jackson Murphy reported that his mount was inclined to hang throughout the event and was awkward in its action over the final stages. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which failed to reveal any apparent abnormalities. Trainer L Manzelmann advised that dependent on how the gelding recovered form todays race, he may look to evaluate the racing future of AIDENABET.
 
SANTORINI SUMMER – Carried wider by REPLACE THE ACE when that runner shifted outwards near the 100m. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight. Shifted inwards over the final stages, inconveniencing REPLACE THE ACE.  


RACE 8: RACING AGAIN SAT 6TH DEC OPEN HANDICAP 1300M
 
STAMPE – Began awkwardly.
 
DIVINE OKAY – Began awkwardly.
 
OUTBACK ACTION – Very slow to begin.
 
THE DRILLER – Began awkwardly and bumped with FLYING SHAMUS.
 
FLYING SHAMUS – Began awkwardly and bumped with THE DRILLER. Raced wide in the early stages. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight. Apprentice T Fenlon, when queried about the performance of the mare advised that after beginning only fairly combined with the quick tempo of the race proved detrimental in FLYING SHAMUS’ finishing chances.
 
FAROOQ – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after competing in the preceding 5 days and was cleared to start. Shifted wider approaching the 400m in an attempt to improve.
 
POET'S DAY – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 


STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Overweights
 
Race 3 – Sean Cormack +1kg
Race 3 – Raul Silvera Olivera +1kg
Race 3 – Adam Sewell +0.5kg
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
BIKER, BETTER BLITZEM, ODEGAARD, SMASHING ROSIE, MUTAFIQ, POET’S DAY.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2 – SMART BARBIE – Stood down 1 satisfactory trial – uncompetitive.
Race 5 – ZAYA – Vet clearance required – Lame right hind.
Race 5 – MICROWAVE JENNY – Warning – Hung out
Race 6 – DON’TDOUBTHELADY – ECG report, 1000m gallop and satisfactory auscultation – cardiac arrythmia.
Race 7 – FLASHBANG – Warning – Stood flat footed.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 8 – STAMPE – Jockey Ashley Butler


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.