QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION 
STEWARDS REPORT

MACKAY TURF CLUB
THURSDAY 19TH MARCH 2026

WEATHER – OVERCAST
TRACK RATING – SOFT 6
RAIL – TRUE
PENETROMETER – 5.6  

 
OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – Ethan Suli
Stewards – Shane Larkins, Hayden Gillett, Sam Nosworthy & Peter Warren
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS
 
ROCKHAMPTON 24TH FEBRUARY 2026
Stewards have finalised their inquiry into trainer Michael Stephens' failure to scratch his dual-accepted runner, GOTTA HERO, from one of its races within the prescribed timeframe. The investigation revealed that Trainer Stephens had adhered to the correct procedures in his attempt to withdraw the horse. However, he was misinformed by a Racing Australia Service representative. Racing Australia has since acknowledged the error and confirmed that they will implement changes to their policies and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
 
ROCKHAMPTON 14th March 2026
DETERMINATION – Trainer Ricky Vale advised stewards that in the days subsequent after its running at Rockhampton, he undertook blood tests on the gelding which indicated signs of a viral infection, and as such has been treated accordingly.
 
 
GENERAL

Due to a significant road closure on the Bruce Highway south of Mackay, which impacted a significant number of participants attending today’s meeting, all races were put back one race, with the last race scheduled to start at 5:40pm.
 
As jockey Michael Murphy was not riding at today’s meeting after experiencing back pain following his ride at the Kilcoy on Tuesday, rider replacements were made as per the Steward’s race day summary. Jockey Murphy was advised that he would require a medical clearance prior to riding again.
 
Stewards approved the following overweights:
 
Race 2.         Ryan Wiggins (LITTLE PINKER) – +1/2kg
Race 7.         Sean Cormack (ANSWERING) – +1/2kg
 
In race 8, DUBAWI’S GIRL was declared a late scratching at 11:54am on veterinary advice after trainer Joshua Manzelmann advised stewards that the mare had become fractious in its stable and became cast. Trainer Manzelmann was advised that DUBAWI’S GIRL would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again. 
 
Due to being restless in the float en route to the course, TEN CARAT LUCY had sustained significant abrasions to its right foreleg, and as such, was declared a late scratching at 12:10pm on veterinary advice. Trainer Taylor was advised that the mare would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
 
RACE 1:LADBROKES MEGA MULTI QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE 1100 M
 
Due to the late arrival of the veterinarian on course, the start of this race was delayed approximately 10 minutes. The start of this race was further delayed when the stirrups of LITTLE LINDA were required to be replaced behind the barriers.
 
GOOD ONE CECIL – Began very awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, had to check and lose its rightful run when DAZZLING GEISHA was carried inwards by PATIENCEOFASAINT (apprentice Nikki Olzard). Apprentice Nikki Olzard was found guilty of a charge under the provisions of AR131(a) in that she carelessly directed her mount inwards onto DAZZLING GIESHA, carrying that runner inwards resulting in GOOD ONE CECIL, which was racing further to the inside, having to check and lose its rightful. Apprentice Olzard’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 days, with the suspension to commence midnight 27th March 2026 and to conclude midnight 4th April 2026. In determining penalty, stewards took into account the QRIC Careless Riding Template, apprentice Olzard’s previous record and her not guilty plea. Raced ungenerously throughout the event. Trainer Joshua Manzelmann was advised that a warning would be placed on the geldings record due to its racing manners.  
 
ON LOCATION – Began awkwardly and shifted outwards hampering MERSEY LASS and FELIPITY.
 
SPORT – Bumped on jumping by BLESSED BOOM and carried inwards hampering FELIPITY. Shifted wider near the 600m in an attempt to improve. Near the 450m bumped with LITTLE LINDA. Shifted inwards over the final stages.
 
BLESSED BOOM – Began very awkwardly and bumped SPORT carrying that runner inwards hampering FELIPITY. Trainer T Smith was fined $100 under AR106(1) for presenting the filly to race wearing blinkers not on the declared gear.
 
DAZZLING GEISHA – Began awkwardly making contact with the inside barrier partition and was slow to begin as a result. Shortly after the start was carried inwards by PATIENCEOFASAINT which was carelessly directed inwards.  
 
FELIPITY – Hampered on jumping by ON LOCATION and shortly after hampered by SPORT.
 
LITTLE LINDA – Began awkwardly. Bumped with SPORT near the 450m. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
MERSEY LASS – Hampered on jumping by ON LOCATION.
 
MISS SO AND SO – Raced wide in the early stages. Raced keenly in the early stages. Stewards permitted MISS SO AND SO to race without its blinkers after trainer Jamie McConachy admitted to errantly failing to submit a gear removal request by the prescribed time, as this was the filly’s first start for his stable. Trainer McConachy was fined $200 under the provisions of AR206(2) for failing to submit a gear request by the prescribed time.    
 
PATIENCEOFASAINT – Began awkwardly. Shifted outwards under pressure and had to be corrected on a number of occasions. Upon returning to scale, apprentice Nikki Olzard reported that her mount was inclined to race greenly throughout.  
 
WHIP 'N NEIGHNEIGH – Began awkwardly and was slot to begin as a result. Over raced in the early stages. Raced wide throughout.


RACE 2: BOOK FOR AMATEUR CUP SATURDAY 23RD MAY CLASS 2 HANDICAP        1100 M

The declaration of correct weight was delayed to allow the stewards to view the photo finish image in relation to the margin between 3rd and 4th place. After viewing the photo, stewards were satisfied with the judge’s placings and correct weight was declared.
 
KHUMBILA – Began awkwardly.
 
LA PETITE MAISON – Blundered on jumping. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Restrained for some distance near the 600m from heels when racing keenly.
 
HOU LONG GWAI – Began awkwardly. Over raced in the early stages.
 
LITTLE PINKER – Commenced to race keenly in the early stages when attempting to obtain cover and was trapped wide when HOU LONG GWAI pressed forward, resulting in LITTLE PINKER racing wide for the remainder. Inconvenienced over the final stages of the event when ZAYA shifted outwards when placed under pressure. Apprentice Tahlia Fenlon was reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) in permitting her mount to shift outwards and inconveniencing LITTLE PINKER. When questioned, jockey Ryan Wiggins confirmed the circumstances in relation to mare commencing to overrace when attempting to obtain cover and the reasons for racing wide throughout the event.  
 
HOT TORQUE INVEGAS – Over raced in the early stages. Raced wide throughout.
 
ZAYA – Began very awkwardly making heavy contact with the outside barrier partition. Shifted outwards under pressure over the final stages of the event inconveniencing LITTLE PINKER.
 
STANDARD GLADIATOR – Began awkwardly.


RACE 3: LADBROKES OWNERS PROMOTION QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE 1100 M

MOONYA LAD – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
PRECISE TORQUE – Began to lose ground from approximately the 600m mark and did not take any further competitive part in the race. As the on-course veterinarian was unable to conduct a post-race examination, as requested by stewards, due to attending to other matters before PRECISE TORQUE left the course, stewards sought an explanation from trainer Lachie Manzelmann regarding the gelding’s performance. Trainer Manzelmann stated that he could not identify any obvious signs of lameness or discomfort in the horse following the race but expressed significant disappointment with its overall effort. Stewards informed trainer Manzelmann that PRECISE TORQUE would require a full veterinary clearance of soundness before being permitted to participate in an official trial prior to racing again.
 
VIPER ROOM – Raced wide throughout.
 
WHO ASKED ZOU – Began very awkwardly and bumped heavily with GYPSY’S DAUGHTER.
 
GYPSY'S DAUGHTER – Bumped heavily on jumping by WHO ASKED ZOU and as a result was carried outwards bumping with SCIALLA. Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
KAMALA – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Hung outwards in the home straight when placed under pressure. Trainer Alan Jones was advised that a warning would be placed on KAMALA’S record for hanging out.
 
LUNA READY – Overraced in the early and middle stages.
 
OUTCRY – Raced wide throughout.      
 
SCIALLA – Bumped on jumping by GYPSY’S DAUGHTER which was carried outwards by WHO ASKED ZOU.


RACE 4: EASTER IN BLOOM LONG LUNCH MAIDEN PLATE (QTIS BONUSES APPLICABLE 2&3YO'S ONLY) 1300 M

KING CANUTE – Bounded on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SUMICH – Fractious prior to the start. Began very awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin.
 
READY AND BETTA – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout.
 
TIME POWER – Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide throughout. Bumped with LADY DE VEGA on a number of occasions near the 200m.
 
LADY DE VEGA – Over raced in the early stages and had to be restrained from heels on a number of occasions. Inclined to lay inwards when under pressure in the home straight and bumped with TIME POWER near the 200m on a number of occasions.
 
SHE'S GOT LYRICS – Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
SHE'SANAIS – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride.
 
BELVEDERE MISS – Began awkwardly.
 
FROSTY QUEEN – Began awkwardly.


RACE 5: BOOK FOR LUNCHEON THURSDAY 2ND APRIL BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP (QTIS BONUSES APPLICABLE FOR 3,4&5YO'S) 1560 M

UPSTART LEGEND – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide throughout.    
 
BO BO BEWARE – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Held up for clear racing room until a point near the 200m.
 
REPLACE THE ACE – Began awkwardly. Overraced in the early and middle stages. Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
GENERAL WOLFFE – Began awkwardly and slow to begin as a result. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid inwards when under pressure in the home straight.
 
VOUCHERS – Inclined to lay inwards when under pressure in the home straight.
 
DIASONIC – Began awkwardly.
 
SUPID DATE – Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure.
 
SHADOW PROJECT – Began very awkwardly and slow to begin as a result.


RACE 6: LADBROKES ODDS SURGE RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP 1050 M

KAHAYLAAN – Slow to begin.
 
RUM RUMBLE – Was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Began awkwardly and shifted outwards, bumping LITTLE IFFY. Raced wide throughout. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
WHITSUNDAY SESSION – Began awkwardly.
 
CRYPTIC PRISM – Began awkwardly.
 
OFFICE POLITICS – Began awkwardly. Hung inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
LITTLE IFFY – Bumped on jumping by RUM RUMBLE which shifted outwards. Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide in the early stages.
 
MARELLITY – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout.
 
SECRET BOOM –   Began awkwardly and bumped with SUBSIDISE. Laid inwards when under pressure in the home straight.
 
SUBSIDISE – Shifted inwards on jumping bumping with SECRET BOOM
 
ARROGANT HEART – Due to a miscommunication between trainer Ken McGuire and apprentice Gabrielle Semmens, trainer McGuire had errantly declared apprentice Semmens when she was not intending on attending today’s meeting. Apprentice Tahlia Fenlon was declared as the replacement rider.


RACE 7: BOOK FUNCTION CENTRE FOR FUNCTIONS BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP 1200 M

PARADE GROUND – Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
HENRY'S BLADE (NZ) – Bumped on jumping by DEALING’S DONE. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
RUBUNKAR – Over raced in the early stages.
 
SCRUB CHAIN – Began awkwardly and slow into stride as a result. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SIR ROCKET – Hung inwards when under pressure in the home straight. A post-race inspection revealed the gelding to have cast a left hind shoe in running.
 
DEALING'S DONE – Began awkwardly and bumped with HENRY’S BLADE (NZ) resulting in being slow to begin. Raced wide in the middle stages.


RACE 8: RACING AGAIN THURSDAY 2ND APRIL BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1200 M

TOW THE LINE – Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
MORDECAI – Slow to begin.
 
CHAPARRAL CHASE – Raced wide throughout.
 
REMLAP KAVA – Began awkwardly.
 
BUBBLES'N'FROTH – Overraced in the early stages. Inconvenienced over the concluding stages when BADLIFEDECISION shifted outwards under pressure.
 
BADLIFEDECISION – Raced keenly in the early stages. Hung outwards rounding the home turn. Laid outwards when placed under pressure over the concluding stages and inconvenienced BUBBLES’N’FROTH. Jockey Warwick Satherley was reminded of his obligation to ensure that he stop and straightens his mount when shifting ground.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2.         Apprentice Tahlia Fenlon – AR131(a) – Careless riding - Reprimand

Fines
Race 1.         Trainer Tom Smith – AR106(1) - $100 - Present horse with incorrect gear.
Race 1.         Trainer Jamie McConachy – AR206(1) - $200 – Fail to request gear change by the prescribed time
 
Suspensions
Race 1.         Apprentice Nikki Olzard – AR131(a) – Careless riding – 8-day suspension – m/night 27/03/2026 to m/night 04/04/2026
 
Absent jockeys
Michael Murphy – Injury – Medical clearance required


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
KHUMBILA, SUMICH, UPSTART LEGEND, WHITSUNDAY SESSION, PARADE GROUND & CHAPARRAL CHASE.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1.         GOOD ONE CECIL – Warning – Racing manners
Race 3.         PRECISE TORQUE – Full veterinary clearance and required to officially trial        
KAMALA – Warning – Hung outwards
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 4.         LADY DE VEGA – Chelsea Jokic
Race 6.         RUM RUMBLE – Apprentice McKenzie Apel (a0/54kg),
SECRET BOOM – Georgina Cartwright
Race 7.         PARADE GROUND – Apprentice McKenzie Apel (a0/54kg),
Race 8.         FLYING ANIMO – Apprentice McKenzie Apel (a0/54kg),
                     REMLAP KAVA – Georgina Cartwright

 
Late scratchings

Race 8.         DUBAWI’S GIRL – Late scratching @ 11:54am on veterinary advice
                     TEN CARAT LUCY – Late scratching @ 12:10pm on veterinary advice
 
 
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.