QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

MACKAY TURF CLUB

SATURDAY 23RD MAY 2026
 

WEATHER – Fine  
TRACK RATING – Good 4
RAIL – True
PENETROMETER – 5.1

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – Shane Larkins
Stewards – Ethan Suli, Peter Warren & John McIntosh.


GENERAL
 
Overweights permitted as per the Stewards Race Day Summary.
 
Trainer Zoe Hohn was fined $100 under LR36(6)(a) for failing to scratch dually accepted, BAVARIAN LADY, from one of its engagements by the prescribed time.

 
RACE 1:LADBROKES BLACKBOOK QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP 1050m
 
ON THE CLOCK – Began awkwardly.  

ALBERTA BOUND – Began awkwardly.

DUB STEPPING – Began awkwardly and was slow into stride as a result. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.

BOWDENE – Inclined to lay inwards under pressure in the home straight.

UMPQUA – Raced ungenerously throughout. Raced wide in the early stages. Hung outwards noticeably rounding the home turn. Jockey Raul Silvera Olivera stated that UMPQUA raced very greenly throughout the event and proved difficult to ride. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which identified significant upper respiratory noises. Trainer Stephen Rundle was advised that the filly must obtain a veterinary clearance, inclusive of an endoscopic examination, and subsequently complete an official trial to the stewards' satisfaction before being permitted to race again, due to its racing manners.

 
RACE 2:LADBROKES HOSTED POTS MAIDEN PLATE (QTIS BONUSES APPLICABLE 2&3YO'S ONLY) 1200m

AGNAR – Raced keenly in the early stages. When questioned regarding settling further back in the field compared to its most recent start, jockey Warwick Satherley explained that after beginning fairly, he was crossed by SOUND THE BUGLE and had anticipated that runner would have carried him further forward in the early stages, however, runners positioned wider on the track progressed ahead of SOUND THE BUGLE, resulting in him losing the opportunity to push forward. Jockey Satherley further stated that his mount travelled well in the early stages but encountered difficulty obtaining clear running in the home straight until the final 200m, where the gelding finished strongly. Approaching the 200m, was required to shift inwards across the heels of SOUND THE BUGLE, ridden by jockey Chelsea Jokic, when that runner shifted outwards under pressure. Jockey Chelsea Jokic was reminded of her obligation to ensure her mounts do not shift ground when not clear of other runners in the future.

CAPRICORNUS – Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining the lead near the 100m.

JOHN'S ROAD – Began awkwardly and shifted outwards, impeding MADAME DOUBTFIRE shortly after the start. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.  

CHECK ONE TWO – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining a position outside the leader near the 800m. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.

SOUND THE BUGLE – Began awkwardly. Shifted ground outwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.

WILLOW CAPRI – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin as a result.

FROSTY QUEEN – Raced wide throughout.

MADAME DOUBTFIRE – Slow to begin and was impeded shortly after the start by JOHN’S ROAD which shifted outwards.

STYLISH DIAMOND – Began awkwardly. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.     


RACE 3:LADBROKES MEGA MULTI QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP 1200m

Stewards conducted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding GYPSY’S DAUGHTER being checked near the 300m. Evidence was taken from jockey Chris McIver (GYPSY’S DAUGHTER), apprentice Nikki Olzard (HEART ‘N’ POWER), and jockey Nathan Thomas (THE KOBAY TRAIN). It was established that approaching the 300m, GYPSY’S DAUGHTER attempted to improve into a very tight run between HEART ‘N’ POWER, positioned to its outside, and GOLD CLASSIC, positioned to its inside. As GYPSY’S DAUGHTER moved to take the run, HEART ‘N’ POWER shifted inwards slightly, tightening the running room of GYPSY’S DAUGHTER. At the same time, THE KOBAY TRAIN shifted inwards under pressure, preventing apprentice Olzard from being able to relieve the pressure on GYPSY’S DAUGHTER. After considering all evidence, stewards issued reprimands under AR131(a) for careless riding to jockey McIver for attempting to take a run where there was insufficient room, to apprentice Olzard for allowing her mount to shift inwards onto the running line of GYPSY’S DAUGHTER, and to jockey Thomas for failing to relieve the pressure applied to HEART ‘N’ POWER, which resulted in that runner shifting further inwards.
 
Stewards conducted an inquiry into an incident near the 150m where HEART ‘N’ POWER was checked. Evidence was taken from jockey Sean Cormack (GOLD CLASSIC), apprentice Nikki Olzard (HEART ‘N’ POWER), jockey Nathan Thomas (THE KOBAY TRAIN), and jockey Warwick Satherley (NEXT LEGACY). It was established that leaving the 200m, THE KOBAY TRAIN shifted outwards after being corrected by its rider, causing NEXT LEGACY to switch in across its heels. Shortly after, HEART ‘N’ POWER shifted inwards and away from NEXT LEGACY, while simultaneously GOLD CLASSIC shifted outwards marginally under pressure. As a result, HEART ‘N’ POWER was tightened for room and checked off heels. After considering the contributions of multiple runners and the racing manners of the horses involved, stewards could not be satisfied to the requisite standard that any single rider was at fault to a degree that warranted a charge being issued. However, all riders were reminded of their obligations to ensure they provide sufficient room to other runners when shifting ground.
 
DON'TDOUBTHELADY – Hampered at the start by BE BOB ALOOLA which shifted outwards and THE KOBAY TRAIN which shifted inwards.

BE BOB ALOOLA – Shifted outwards at the start hampering DON’TDOUBTHELADY.

EXODAS – Impeded by I’LLTELLYOUTONIGHT which shifted outwards marginally when being corrected by its rider near the 150m.

I'LLTELLYOUTONIGHT – Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the early stages of the home straight and near the 150m when being corrected by its rider, had shifted outwards marginally and impeded EXODAS.  

HEART 'N' POWER – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Leaving the 300m, shifted inwards slightly before being carried inwards further by THE KOBAY TRAIN, tightening the running room of GYPSY’S DAUGHTER. Near the 150m, shifted inwards and away from NEXT LEGACY, whilst simultaneously GOLD CLASSIC shifted outwards under pressure, resulting in being tightened for room and checked off heels.

NEXT LEGACY – Began awkwardly. Leaving the 200m, was forced to switch in across the heels of THE KOBAY TRAIN, which shifted outwards after being corrected by its rider.

THE KOBAY TRAIN – Began awkwardly and shifted inwards hampering the DON’TDOUBTHELADY. Raced wide throughout. Leaving the 300m, shifted inwards under pressure, carrying HEART ‘N’ POWER inwards and tightening the running room of GYPSY’S DAUGHTER. Leaving the 200m, shifted outwards after being corrected by its rider, causing NEXT LEGACY to switch in across its heels.

GYPSY'S DAUGHTER – Near the 300m when attempting a tight run between runners, was tightened and checked by HEART ‘N’ POWER, which shifted inwards marginally before being carried further inwards by THE KOBAY TRAIN. Had difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages of the home straight.

GOLD CLASSIC – Began awkwardly. Near the 150m, shifted outwards under pressure, tightening HEART ‘N’ POWER which had to be checked.


RACE 4:MOJO'S BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1100m

RUBUNKAR – Raced keenly in the early stages.

GOT GUMPTION – Began awkwardly.

HE'S THE ONE – Was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Began awkwardly. Held up for clear racing room in the early stages of the home straight until a point near the 250m.

FIVE STAR KING – Laid outwards when placed under pressure over the final 250m.

MELO MELO KAVA – Inclined to lay outwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.

LUCKY LASS – Bounded at the start and was slow to begin as a result. A post-race veterinary examination revealed minor lacerations to LUCKY LASS’ hindlegs and was treated accordingly.

RICH DIVINITY – Raced wide throughout. Had to be steadied from the heels of SENSATIONABULL when racing keenly approaching the 600m.   

SENSATIONABULL – Raced wide throughout. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.

DUBAWI'S GIRL – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin as a result. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.       


RACE 5:STARCUT FLOWERS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1560m

BATEMANS BAY (FR) – Hung inwards when under pressure in the home straight.  

STELLAR LEGEND – Elected to shifted wider in an attempt to improve approaching the 400m. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.  
 
MORDECAI – Slow into stride. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room over the final 120m when improving onto heels of other runners in advance.

MASALI RAFFA – Raced keenly when wide in the early stages.

YOROKOBI (NZ) – Bumped with STARMEIRA near the 300m.

CITIROC – Was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Slow to begin. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the home straight.

STARMEIRA – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early stages until obtaining the lead position near the 1300m. Overraced throughout the event. Bumped with YOROKOBI (NZ) near the 300m. When questioned regarding STARMEIRA leading the event and setting what appeared to be a quick tempo, apprentice Nikki Olzard explained that it was not her intention to lead. However, after beginning well with the field, the mare began to overrace noticeably and pulled hard. Despite her efforts to restrain the horse, apprentice Olzard added that she was unable to settle the mare until approximately the 900m. Stewards reviewed the race footage, which supported apprentice Olzard’s explanation, and consequently, no further action was taken.
 
 
RACE 6:LADBROKES AMATEURS CUP OPEN HANDICAP 1800m

SMART LEGEND – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Bumped with BAVARIAN LADY upon entering the home straight.

JOURNALISM – Began awkwardly. Held up in the early stages of the home straight.

ACCLIMATISE – Shifted outwards at the start, bumping MISTERKIPCHOGE (NZ). Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.

MOKTAFFY (IRE) – Inclined to lay inwards when under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.

COLLEANO – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly and wide in the early stages.

JOHN JOSEPH – Shifted inwards at the start. Raced wide in the early stages until a point near the 1050m.

MISTERKIPCHOGE (NZ) – Bumped by MOKTAFFY (IRE) which shifted outwards at the start. Raced wide from the 650m.

BAVARIAN LADY – Bumped with SMART LEGEND upon entering the home straight.

TURN ME ROYALE (NZ) – Threw its head in the air as the start was affected and lost ground. Raced wide in the early stages.


RACE 7:BOOK FOR MACKAY CUP SATURDAY 25TH JULY CLASS 4 HANDICAP 1300m

HYDE PARK – Very slow to begin. Disappointed for a run to the inside of DARK GLEAM near the 200m and had to shift outwards to obtain clear racing room.

BETTER BE READY – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Faulted in its action near the 700m and as a consequence checked DETERMINTION which in turn checked TOP HONOURS and was retired from the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a possible fracture or ligament damage to the left knee / foreleg. BETTER BE READY was treated accordingly. The horse was referred for further assessment. Trainer Jennifer Hatfield was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance prior to being permitted to race again.  

RASHFORD – Reared as the start was affected and lost ground. Laid outwards under pressure in the home straight.

DETERMINATION – Raced keenly in the early stages. Was checked when BETTER BE READY faulted near the 700m.

BRASCO – Began awkwardly.

OUR MISSILE – Raced wide in the early stages.

TOP HONOURS – Was checked from the heels of DETERMINATION near the 700m when that running was checking to avoid the heels of BETTER BE READY. Raced tight between RASHFORD and RAVENITE over the final 100m.

RAVENITE – Began awkwardly.  


RACE 8:RACING AGAIN THURSDAY 11TH JUNE OPEN HANDICAP 1300m

OBLIGATED – Shifted inwards when not quite clear of WPRIDE OF VENUS which had to be eased shortly after the start. Laid inwards when placed under pressure in the early stages of the home straight. Inclined to lay outwards for some distance leaving the 200m.

ACROPHOBIC – Slow to begin.

TURBEAU – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly for a short distance leaving the 1100m when crossed by OBLIGATED.

PARADE GROUND – Bumped with UPSTART LEGEND at the start. Raced keenly in the middle stages.

PRIDE OF VENUS – Had to be eased shortly after the start when OBLIGATED shifted inwards. Jockey Aiden Holt was reprimanded under AR131(a) for careless riding.

THE PENSKE FILE – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination due to not having raced for an extended period and was cleared to start. Overraced in the middle stages and near the 800m checked from the heels of PEPPERDINE.
 
UPSTART LEGEND – Bumped with PARADE GROUND at the start.

GRAND DE LAGO – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin as a result. Raced wide throughout.       
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Overweight
Race 1 – Raul Silvera Olivera + 1kg.
Race 3 – Sean Cormack + 1kg.
Race 6 – Sean Cormack + 1kg.
Race 6 – Tasha Chambers + 1kg.
Race 6 – Warwick Satherley +1/2kg
Race 8 – Adam Sewell + 1/2 kg.
Race 8 – Raul Silvera Olivera + 1kg.
 
Reprimands
Race 3 – Apprentice Nikki Olzard – AR131(a) – Careless riding
Race 3 – Jockey Nathan Thomas – AR131(a) – Careless riding
Race 3 – Jockey Chris McIver – AR131(a) – Careless riding
Race 8 – Jockey Aiden Holt – AR131(a) – Careless riding

Fines
Race 5 – Trainer Zoe Hohn, $100 LR36(6)(a) fail to scratch dual acceptor by prescribed time.


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
EXODAS, MAYOR OF KINGSTON, SMART LEGEND & ACROPHOBIC

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1 – UMPQUA – Upper respiratory noises / Hung outwards – Veterinary clearance inclusive of endoscopic examination required and stood down to trial
Race 7 – BETTER BE READY – Injury to near foreleg – Veterinary clearance required
 

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 6 – BAVARIAN LADY – Warwick Satherley
 
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.