QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
MAREEBA TURF CLUB
 
 
SATURDAY 16th MARCH 2024
 
 
 
WEATHER – Overcast      TRACK RATING –  Good 4    RAIL True
 
PENETROMETER – Not taken.
 
OFFICIALS
 
Stewards Panel – S Copelin (Chair); R Neal and Y Walburgh-Schmidt.
 
GENERAL
‘
Jockey Scott Sheargold pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions AR 127 (1) (Failing to fulfil riding engagements) after dually accepting riding engagements in Race 3 (STAR FILLY & COURTING SARA), and multiple engagements in Race 4 (LADY OF FORTUNE; MAKANUI & RED LANTERN). After consideration on penalty Jockey S Sheargold’s licence to ride in races was suspended for 14 days, commencing at midnight on Tuesday 19th March 2024 and to conclude at midnight on Tuesday 2nd April 2024. In addition, Jockey Sheargold was fined $1,000.00 with this component wholly suspended for twelve months pending no further breaches of this rule.
When determining penalty Stewards factored that the following: that this was Jockey Sheargold’s the 7th breach of this rule in recent times, the number of races involved, and that his actions had resulted two horses being scratched because of no other rider being available.
Jockey S. Sheargold was advised of his right to an appeal against the steward’s decision.
 
Due to a forecasted deterioration in the weather on agreeance of the Mareeba Turf Club the race program was shortened to ensure the completion of the card.
 

 
Race 1: SERRA DRILLING CLASS B HANDICAP  900 M
 
SONIC LIGHT – raced wide throughout.
 
CODY’S BOY – raced wide in the early and middle stages.
 
NEVETON – raced in restricted room approaching the post.
 
 
Race 2: APL PLUMBING QTIS MAIDEN PLATE 1,010 M
 
WAIT’N’SEE – over-raced in the middle stages.
 
STEEL GRIT – raced greenly in the home straight.
 
SHE’S A MISSION – slow into stride.
 
 
Race 3: QUALITY INNOVATION TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT QITE BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1,010 M
 
MY BEST EFFORT – raced wide throughout.
 
THUMANI – improved onto heels passing the 450 metres and was steadied, before shifting out into clear racing room; returned to the tie-ups displaying mild muscle soreness and was treated by the course veterinarian.
 
 
Race 4: MAREEBA TURF CLUB / TOM SMITH BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP
 
RED LANTERN and LADY OF FORTUNE were late scratching’s due to no rider being available.
 
BARLOTTI BEANS – raced wide throughout.
 
DYSTOPIAN – fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly; rider reported the gelding failed to let down when pressured.
 
ROSE OF ATHENS – was fractious behind the barriers prior to the start.
 
MAKANUI – inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
Race 5: PEMF THERAPY NQ OPEN HANDICAP 1,123 M
 
LOVE ON SUNDAY – began awkwardly; lost contact passing the 600 metres, rider reported that the gelding was unable to quicken when the tempo increased passing the 650 metres and that in his opinion the gelding was better suited to a longer distance.
 
CALL ME MO – had to be steadied off heels when over racing near the 800 metres.
 
PLAGIARIZED – began awkwardly.
 
 
Race 6: PATRONS CUP & TRADIES DAY MAY 26 RATINGS BAND Q 55 HANDICAP 1,159 M
 
BOOGIE WONDERLAND – forced wider rounding the final turn; lameness in the off-foreleg, connections were advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to the gelding next racing.
 
MISHANI MENACE – slow into stride.
 
EYE OF RA – commenced to hang out passing the 800 metres, ran wide passing the 600 metres and forced BOOGIE WONDERLAND wide rounding the final turn – a post-race veterinary examination revealed that while no obvious abnormalities were detected at the time of examination, a further veterinary examination was required to further determine the gelding’s propensity to hang.
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Suspensions:  R4 – Scott Sheargold [AR127(1)] – Failed to fulfil riding engagements – suspended 20th March 2024 – 2nd April 2024 (inclusive) (14 days)
 
Fines:               R4 – Scott Sheargold [AR127(1)] – Failed to fulfil riding engagements – Fined $1,000.00 (wholly suspended for a period of twelve months)
 
Reprimands Nil

 
Absent Jockeys
 
Adjourned inquiries
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed post-race;
All winners
 
Warnings/bars R6BOOGIE WONDERLAND – veterinary clearance required.
R6 – EYE OF RA – veterinary clearance required.         
 
Bleeders
Nil
 
Summary of rider changes/late notifications
 
Late Scratching’s
 
Race 4: Lady of Fortune & Red Lantern – Order of the Stewards, No Riders Available.
 
 
 
 
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.