QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

MACKAY TURF CLUB

THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2026

WEATHER – OVERCAST 
TRACK RATING – GOOD 4
RAIL – TRUE
PENETROMETER – 5.00

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – H Gillett
Stewards – S Larkins, E Suli & G Wust
 
 
GENERAL
 
Jockey Tasha Chambers advised stewards that she was feeling the effects of wasting, and as such stewards acceded to her request to be replaced on her light rides in races 5 and 8, therefore replacements were made as per the stewards race day summary. As overweights were originally permitted for both these rides, stewards ordered that the newly engaged riders were required to ride at the advertised overweights permitted. Stewards were mindful that jockey Chambers was returning to race riding from a recent injury.
 
Trainer Lachie Manzelmann was reprimanded under the LR67(1) for failing to declare a rider on FROSTY QUEEN in race 4 by the prescribed time. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account that this was trainer Manzelmann’s first ever offence under the rule.
 
Trainer Mark Cochrane was fined $100 under the provisions of LR67(1) for failing to declare a rider on REAL KEY in race 6 by the prescribed time.
 
Stewards approved the following overweights:
 
Race 5 – Nathan Thomas (STORE BEACH) (replacing Tasha Chambers) – +1kg
Race 6 – Sean Cormack (ANSWERING) – +1kg
Race 8 – Chris McIver (MASALI RAFFA) (replacing Tasha Chambers) – +1/2kg
Race 9 – Sean Cormack (CASCIA) – +1kg
 
Approximately 45 minutes following the last race, when being loaded onto the float to be transported, BADLIFEDECISION slipped, staggered and flipped becoming prone on the ground. The mare subsequently regained its footing before staggering and again falling, becoming prone. A short time later BADLIFEDECISION was deceased. As stewards were in the area and witnessed the event they immediately made attempts to contact a veterinarian to attend the scene on a number of occasions, however these attempts were unsuccessful. Intended samples were unable to be collected.

RACE 1:BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MTC QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP  1100 M
 
DON'TDOUBTHELADY – Slow into stride. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid inwards when placed under pressure over the final 150m, and in doing so, carried FABULEAN wider.
 
KRACKACAN – Carried outwards at the start by THE KOBAY TRAIN and impeded GYPSY’S DAUGHTER shortly afterwards.
 
FABULEAN – Began awkwardly. Carried wider by DON’TDOUBTTHELADY near the 150m when that runner laid outwards. Jockey Ryan Wiggins (DON'TDOUBTHELADY) was reminded of his obligations to ensure he is clear of other runners when allowing his mounts to shift ground under hard riding.
 
GYPSY'S DAUGHTER – Began awkwardly and shortly after the start was impeded by KRACKACAN which was carried outwards.
 
THE KOBAY TRAIN – Began awkwardly and shifted outwards, carrying KRACKACAN out at the start. Commenced to race keenly in the early stages and had to be steadied from the heels of DON’TDOUBTTHELADY near the 950m for a stride. Continued to race keenly in the middle stages thereafter.
 
 
RACE 2: LADBROKES MEGA MULTI QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP  1100 M
 
DUB STEPPING – Bumped with IRONROAD SPIRIT at the start. Laid inwards when placed under pressure over the final 150m.
 
RED SCENTSATION – Raced keenly in the early stages when restraining in an attempt to find cover, and in failing to do so, raced wide throughout the event. Laid inwards when under pressure over the final 100m.
 
ROCKY PRINCE – Began awkwardly.
 
DIANTE – Bumped and impeded by STYLISH DIAMOND at the start when that runner shifted inwards, and as a result was carried in, hampering IRONROAD SPIRIT. Raced keenly in the early stages. Inclined to lay outwards rounding the home turn.
 
FELIPITY – Slow into stride. Raced wide throughout. Eased by its rider over the final 100m. Jockey Sean Cormack reported that over the final stages FELIPITY made respiratory sounds. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainer Jennifer Hatfield was advised that a warning would be placed on the filly’s record for its poor performance.
 
STYLISH DIAMOND – Was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Began awkwardly and shifted inwards, bumping and impeding DIANTE, carrying that runner in. Inclined to hang outwards rounding the home turn.  
 
WHIP 'N NEIGHNEIGH – Reluctant to load. Slow to begin. Had to be steadied to avoid the heels of IRONROAD SPIRIT passing the 600m when overracing.
 
IRONROAD SPIRIT – Hampered at the start between DUB STEPPING and DIANTE when DIANTE was carried inwards by STYLISH DIAMOND. Overraced in the early and middle stages and had to be restrained by its rider on a number of occasions. Commenced to give ground from a point near the 500m, taking no competitive part over the final stages. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Trainer Darryl Johnston was advised that a warning would be placed on the filly’s record for its competitiveness. 
 
 
RACE 3: BOOK FOR AMATEURS SAT 23RD MAY MAIDEN PLATE (QTIS BONUSES APPLICABLE 2&3YO'S ONLY) 1100 M
 
CAPRICORNUS – Began awkwardly.
 
FIGHTING EDGE – Laid outwards when placed under pressure in the home straight and approaching the 600m, momentarily inconvenienced EMBEZZLES.
 
SOYDECAFFLATTE – Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
TIGER JIM – Bumped by EMBEZZLES which shifted outwards at the start. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
JENNY – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. When questioned regarding the performance, apprentice Tahlia Fenlon stated that she wasn’t overly disappointed in JENNY’s performance and that the mare travelled well in its run and would derive significant benefit from race experience. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
STREAMELOT (IRE) – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. Inclined to lay inwards when under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.
 
EMBEZZLES – Began awkwardly and shifted outwards, bumping TIGER JIM. Raced wide in the early and middle stages. Approaching the 600m, was momentarily inconvenienced by FIGHT EDGE which was laying outwards under riding. Jockey Chelsea Jokic was issued with a reprimand under the provisions of AR131(a) for careless riding.
 
PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE – Began awkwardly. Laid outwards under pressure over the final 100m.
 
 
RACE 4: LADBROKES ODDS SURGE QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP  1200 M
 
MOONYA LAD – Shifted inwards at the start and bumped with MILK MAID. Raced wide in the early stages.
 
ZEMOREYA – Raced wide throughout. Carried wider on the track near the 500m when FROSTY’S GOTCHA shifted outwards. Brushed by MADAM NAZAR upon entering the home straight when that runner shifted outwards. Near the 200m, briefly became awkwardly placed on the heels of MADAM NAZAR when that runner shied away NO WORDS which was carried out marginally after being bumped by MILK MAID, which shifted out under riding. Apprentice McKenzie Apel (MILK MAID) was reminded of her obligations to stop and straighten her mounts early when being allowed to shift ground.  
 
NO WORDS – Near the 200m was bumped by MILK MAID, which shifted ground outwards, and as a result was carried out. 
 
MADAM NAZAR – Shifted outwards upon entering the home straight and brushed with ZEMOREYA. Shied from NO WORDS when that runner was carried outwards near the 200m by MILK MAID.
 
MILK MAID – Began awkwardly, bumping with MOONYA LAD and as a result was slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early stages. When obtaining clear running, shifted outwards and bumped with NO WORDS near the 200m, carrying that runner outwards. 
 
VIPER ROOM – Bumped with FROSTY’S GOTCHA at the start.
 
FROSTY'S GOTCHA – Bumped with VIPER ROOM at the start. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Approaching the 500m, elected to shift outwards in an attempt to improve and carried ZEMOREYA wider on the track.
 
 
RACE 5: BOOK EVENT CENTRE FOR FUNCTIONS BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP  1800 M
 
MORE TROUBLE (NZ) – Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BO BO BEWARE – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
KINGS CASTLE (FR) – Slow to begin.
 
KAYLEEN'S PROFIT (NZ) – Inclined to lay outwards when placed under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.
 
KHAMIS – Began awkwardly. Overraced in the early stages and had to steady and shift outwards to avoid the heels of MORE TROUBLE (NZ) near the 1200m. Passing the 1100m, elected to push forward when racing wide and obtain a position in the lead near the 1000m. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.
 
STORE BEACH – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride. Commenced to race forward in the early stages until obtaining a position in the lead near the 1400m.
 
SHADOW PROJECT – Began awkwardly.
 
Stewards note that the false start light was left laying under the inside running rail near the 200m. Whilst being satisfied that no horses were impacted, the starter was advised to ensure that he or his staff adhere to due process to ensure that false start light is removed appropriately after the start of the race.
 
 
RACE 6: PREMIUM PARTNER MA'S PIZZA OPEN HANDICAP  1200 M
 
REAL KEY – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
PARADE GROUND – Raced wide in the early stages. When asked to comment on the performance improvement in comparison to its last start, apprentice McKenzie Apel stated that drop in weight carried in today’s event was significantly beneficial after its seemingly disappointing first up start at the Mackay meeting on the 19th of March.
 
SIR ROCKET – Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
KEYBOARD – Began awkwardly.
 
ANSWERING – Raced keenly in the early stages. Improved onto the heels of SIR ROCKET near the 600m and shifted wider.
 
 
RACE 7: EVENT FOUNDING PARTNER STARCUT FLOWERS BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP  1200 M
 
DEALING'S DONE – Impeded at the start by DETERMINATION which shifted inwards and as a result was slow to begin. When questioned regarding the improved performance of DEALING’S DONE in today’s event compared to its most recent start, trainer Wayne Winters explained that he was satisfied with the gelding’s first-up effort last start and had anticipated a strong performance today, given its pleasing work in preparation for the race. Trainer Winters further added that the gelding was not subjected to any significant pressure during today’s event, which positively contributed to its overall performance.
 
LA PETITE MAISON – Began awkwardly. Shifted outwards upon entering the home straight, carrying DETERMINATION wider. Inclined to lay inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BETTER BE READY – Raced keenly in the early stages. Made contact with the inside running rail near the 200m. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
MIMMY'S SECRET – Began awkwardly.
 
DETERMINATION – Began awkwardly and shifted inwards, impeding DEALING’S DONE. Carried wider upon entering the home straight by LA PETITE MASON when that runner shifted outwards.
 
UPSTART LEGEND – Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
RACE 8: HAPPY & SAFE EASTER FROM MTC RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP  1560 M
 
MORDECAI – Raced wide throughout. When questioned in relation to her mount racing three wide throughout, in the presence of senior jockey Chris McIver, apprentice Amie Messiner explained that after beginning fairly, she elected to ride MORDECAI along in the early stages with the intent to find a mid-field position with cover. Apprentice Messiner added that racing around the turn near the 1300m, the tempo of the race slackened and as a result, she took restraint to find a desired position, however despite her efforts she was unable to restrain in a manner which allowed her to find a position closer to the rail. Apprentice Messiner further added that she did not feel it was in the best interest of her mount to press forward leaving the 1200m, therefore elected to maintain her three-wide position under a strong hold. After considering the statements of apprentice Messiner and jockey McIver, viewing the available replays, and stewards own observations, steward did not believe that the tactics adopted by apprentice Messiner were so unreasonable in the circumstances to warrant further action, particularly noting the tempo of the race and the racing mannerism of MORDECAI.
 
CASH ARTIST – Began awkwardly. 
 
TURN ME ROYALE (NZ) – Overraced in the middle stages. Upon returning to scale, jockey Ryan Wiggins reported that TURN ME ROYALE (NZ) was inclined to hang out throughout the event, which made it difficult in him fully testing the gelding out over the concluding stages.
 
MR SUGAR DADDY – Began awkwardly resulting in jockey Nathan Thomas becoming unbalanced. Raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1250m, had to shift outwards to avoid the heels of SHEZ LETHAL, resulting in MR SUGAR DADDY racing wide throughout thereafter.
 
DIASONIC – Slow into stride. When questioned regarding the improved performance, jockey Adam Sewell stated that DIASONIC improved its fitness level being third up from a spell and added that the gelding races well at the Mackay track over this particular distance.  
 
REMLAP KAVA – As the gelding had shifted both hind plates in the tie up stalls and was unable to be re-shod the gelding raced bare behind. Slow into stride.
 
SHEZ LETHAL – Began awkwardly. Commenced to overrace when attempting to obtain cover behind the lead near the 1300m.
 
MASALI RAFFA – Began awkwardly.
 
 
RACE 9: RACING AGAIN FRIDAY 17TH APRIL RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 HANDICAP  1300 M
 
RUM RUMBLE – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. Laid out rounding the home turn. Carried wide near the 500m when AIRCLASH (NZ) shifted outwards. Inclined to lay inwards under pressure over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding her decision to race three-wide throughout, apprentice McKenzie Apel explained that after beginning slowly, she attempted to secure a position closer to the rails in the early stages. However, near the 900m, AIRCLASH (NZ), which was racing on her inside, began to race keenly, preventing her from obtaining the desired position. Apprentice Apel further stated that this resulted in her being caught three-wide for the remainder of the race. She added that, in hindsight, she may have been better off restraining to the rear of the field immediately after the start, although this could have required her mount to endure a prolonged wide run over the final 500m. After considering all the circumstances, stewards determined that the tactics employed were not unreasonable, and no further action was deemed necessary.
 
AIRCLASH (NZ) – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Shifted outwards near the 500m, carrying RUM RUMBLE wider.  
 
DUBAWI'S GIRL – Inclined to hang inwards in the home straight.
 
TO LOVE SOMEBODY – Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining a position outside the leader near the 900m.  
 
CITIROC – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the home straight and had to be restrained on a number of occasions.
 
HOLY CROWN – Slow into stride.
 
BADLIFEDECISION – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
LEICA FLAMINGO – Laid outwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
CASCIA – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 3 – Jockey Chelsea Jokic – AR131(a) – Careless riding
Race 4 – Trainer Lachie Manzelmann – LR67(1) – Late rider declaration
 
Fines
Race 6 – Trainer Mark Cochrane – LR67(1) – Late rider declaration – $100


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
FABULEAN, MORE TROUBLE (NZ), KING’S CASTLE (FRA), PARADE GROUND, LA PETITE MASON, TURN ME ROYALE (NZ), DUBAWI’S GIRL

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2 – FELIPITY – Poor Performance – Warning
Race 2 – IRONROAD SPIRIT – Uncompetitive – Warning

 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 3 – STREAMELOT (IRE) – Ms McKenzie Apel (a0/53kg),
Race 4 – FROSTY QUEEN – Chris McIver
Race 5 – STORE BEACH – Nathan Thomas
Race 6 – REAL KEY – Raul Silvera Olivera
Race 8 – MASALI RAFFA – Chris McIver


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.