QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB

SATURDAY 14TH JUNE 2025

WEATHER – FINE
TRACK RATING – SOFT 5
RAIL – +8M ENTIRE
PENETROMETER – 5.74

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – E Suli
Stewards – S Larkins, H Gillett, S Stehbens & G Wust

 
GENERAL

Stewards approved the following overweight:
Race 5.         Adam Sewell – +1kg
 

RACE 1: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN HANDICAP (1400 METRES)

SPIRIT TALKER – Jumped away awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
DIAMOND BLADE – Jumped away awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Held up for clear running until a point approaching the 300m.
 
SAK THE WRITER – Near the 1100m, was carried wider of the track by CAUSEWAYS and as a result raced wide from that point onwards. When questioned on the performance, apprentice L Martyn advised that SAK THE WRITER endured a tough run after being trapped three-wide throughout the event. Apprentice Martyn added that she was not overly disappointed in her mount’s efforts given the circumstances, further adding that given the gelding is one paced, it may be better suited racing over further distances.
 
CAUSEWAYS – Slow into stride. Overraced in the early stages and approaching the 1100m, had to shift outwards to avoid racing onto the heels of CHECK ONE TWO, and as a result carried SAK THE WRITER wider on the track. Laid in when placed under pressure over the concluding stages. Upon returning to scale, jockey N Thomas stated that his mount raced ungenerously in the early stages, which in his opinion may have been due to the gelding resenting the winkers. 
 
GRUMPYWANTSATISSUE – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
ANGE – Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
RACE 2: TAB QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

GIAPPONESE – Slow into stride. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
LOADED WEAPON – Jumped away awkwardly and shifted outwards, bumping with DUBBIOSO. Raced wide throughout. Bumped by NEXT LEGACY near the 150m when that runner laid inwards.
 
OUR EAGLE ROCK – Bounded on jumping.
 
NEXT LEGACY – Jumped away awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight and bumped LOADED WEAPON near the 150m.
 
BUNGARRIBEE RAIN – Jumped away awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Inclined to lay out rounding the home turn. Had to shift inwards to avoid the heels of MILK MAID which shifted outwards near the 300m.
 
DUBBIOSO – Jumped away awkwardly and was buffered between runners FROSTY QUEEN and LOADED WEAPON which shifted in and out respectively shortly after the start. Raced wide throughout.
 
FROSTY QUEEN – Jumped away awkwardly and shifted inwards, bumping DUBBIOSO. Was held in the early stages of the home straight and had to shift outwards near the 400m to obtain clear racing room. Laid in when placed under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
MILK MAID – Overraced in the early and middle stages. Had to be steadied when racing onto the heels of OUR EAGLE ROCK near the 850m. Held up for clear racing room in the early stages of the home straight until shifting outwards passing the 400m.
 
ROTH OF GOD – Jumped away awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. When questioned on the performance, jockey S Cormack advised that his instructions were to restrain from the wide barrier draw as the filly is not strong enough at this stage of its career to endure work early and after settling, the filly raced very greenly and failed to respond to his riding urges. Jockey Cormack further added that in his opinion the filly would derive significant benefit from further racing experience.
 
LUNA READY – Trainer T Smith was reprimanded under the provisions of AR106(2) for presenting LUNA READY with a tongue-tie, which is not part of its required gear. Stewards took into consideration Trainer Smith’s record in relation to the rule when determining penalty.
 

RACE 3: WELCOME RJC GOLD CLUB BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

CAPO STRADA – Raced wide throughout. Laid in when placed under pressure in the early part of the home straight.
 
HENRY'S BLADE (NZ) – Approaching the 600m bumped with CORKSCREW (NZ) and as a result become unbalanced in the hind quarters which resulted in CORKSCREW (NZ) being tightened for a number of strides.
 
ZHUANG SHI – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination behind the barriers after becoming very fractious in the barriers and becoming momentarily cast. ZHUANG SHI was cleared to start by the veterinarian. Trainer S Green was advised that the gelding would be stood down from racing until obtaining a further barrier certificate in an official trial or jump-out. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed no abnormalities.  
 
DEEP BLAST – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Held up for clear racing room in the home straight until a point near the 200m.
 
FROSTY BEAR – Was declared a late scratching at 12:38pm on veterinary advice after the gelding was kicked in the float by another horse en-route to the course and was displaying lameness in the right hindleg. Trainer G Clem was advised that FROSTY BEAR would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
CORKSCREW (NZ) – Jumped away awkwardly. Approaching the 600m, was bumped by HENRY’S BLADE (NZ) and was tightened for room for a number of strides.
 
STREET GLORY – Had to shift out to avoid racing onto the heels of HENRY’S BLADE (NZ) passing the 100m.
 
Following the running of this race, apprentice N Olzard advised of soreness in her left knee, examined by the on-course QAS officers and was cleared to take her remaining engagements.
 
 
RACE 4: ROCKY CUP CARNIVAL ON SALE NOW CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1050 METRES)

BEE TWO – Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
CRYPTIC PRISM – When asked for a comment on the performance, trainer L Manzelmann reported that he was unable to offer an explanation on the performance and that it would be his intentions to consider the immediate racing future of the gelding within his stable. Jockey Butler added that he too could offer no tangible reason for the gelding’s disappointing performance. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
LUCKY STRONG – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. When asked to comment on the performance, apprentice A Graham stated LUCKY STRONG had worked itself up pre-race, which is unusually behaviour for the gelding. Apprentice Graham advised that her mount had travelled well in the early stages, however when asked for an effort in the home straight, the gelding failed to respond, and in her opinion, added that LUCKY STRONG may not handle the long straight at Rockhampton. Trainer P Fleming concurred with the comments of apprentice Graham, adding that he believes the gelding does not handle the longer straight and may have been too fresh in today’s event. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed no abnormalities.
 
IRISH ROCKET – Raced wide throughout. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight. Jockey J Murphy reported that he had dropped his whip near the 100m.
 
HEY JEALOUSY – Jumped away awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Raced wide throughout.
 
CRIMSON DECIPHER – Jumped away awkwardly and as a result was slow to begin. Near the 200m, had to momentarily steady to avoid the heels of BEE TWO which had laid outwards.   
 
BOOM SIGHT – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages and was inclined to lay outwards when rounding the home turn. Held up for clear racing room in the home straight until a point near the 350m.
 
CRAFTY GODDESS – Jumped away awkwardly. Held up in the home straight until shifting outwards to obtain clear racing room near the 300m.
 
FRENCH WISH – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
RACE 5: FRENCHVILLE SPORTS CLUB BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP (QTIS BONUSES APPLICABLE FOR 3,4&5YO'S) (1200 METRES)

PRETTY SLICK – Raced wide throughout. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
BOLD AND SMOOTH – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the barriers after OUTWITTED had become fractious and cast within the barrier stall and was cleared to start.
 
CALL ME MARILYN – Raced wide throughout.
 
BELLZEN – Commenced to race ungenerously at a point near the 850m, shifted out and raced wide from that point onwards.
 
JUKEBOX GLOW – Bumped on jumping by OUTBACK BANDIT, which shifted inwards. Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
NORTHUMBRIA – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Held up for clear racing room in the home straight until a point near the 400m. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
THE LAST SAGA – Jumped away awkwardly and contacted the outside barrier partition.
 
NICCONORI – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
OUTWITTED – Was declared a late scratching at 3:50pm on veterinary advice after OUTWITTED was fractious, reared, and became cast within its barrier stall. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, stewards ordered that all monies invested on OUTWITTED be refunded, with the following deductions to apply to all successful bets:
 
24 cents in the dollar for the winner (OUTBACK BANDIT)
14 cents in the dollar for the place of the winner (OUTBACK BANDIT)
20 cents in the dollar for 2nd place (BOLD AND SMOOTH)
24 cents in the dollar for 3rd place (NORTHUMBRIA)
 
Trainer T Cook was advised that the gelding would be stood down to the completion of a further barrier certificate in an official trial or jump-out.
 
AMBERINGER – Slow into stride. Held up in the early stages of the home straight until shifting outwards at a point near the 450m to obtain clear racing room.
 
OUTBACK BANDIT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination at the barriers after OUTWITTED had become fractious and cast within the barrier stall and was cleared to start. Jumped away awkwardly and shifted inwards, bumping JUKEBOX GLOW. Raced keenly in the early stages. Held up in the home straight until a point near 400m.
 
COCO ROYALE – When questioned on the performance, jockey A Sewell advised that the mare commenced to lose ground over the concluding stages of the event and in his opinion required the run. Trainer A Clarke was advised that the mare would be stood down from racing until the completion of a satisfactory barrier trial and that following that trial, COCO ROYALE would be banned to NON-TAB meetings until it regains competitive form. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed a poor post-race recovery.
 
 
RACE 6: TAB $20,000 TRAINERS BONUS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
 
BELLA TIVACI (NZ) – Jumped away awkwardly.
 
MONEY MAN – When asked to comment on the performance, apprentice L O’Donnell reported that MONEY MAN travelled well in the early stages, however when asked to respond to her riding urges, the gelding failed to quicken. Apprentice O’Donnell added that the gelding may be better suited racing over further distances.
 
VICTORY'S GHOST – Bumped with SPELLMASTER (NZ) on jumping. Held up in the home straight until shifting inwards to obtain clear racing room at a point near the 150m.
 
ROY'S ROAD – Raced wide in the early and middle stages. Held up in the home straight until shifting outwards near the 350m.
 
GENERAL HIPPO – Jumped away awkwardly. Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight. When asked to comment on the improved performance, jockey J Murphy stated that due to the wide barrier draw, he elected to settle at the rear of the field, resulting in the gelding having to endure very little work early. Jockey Murphy added that by doing so, the gelding was able to finish off strongly over the concluding stages. Jockey Murphy further added that GENERAL HIPPO is better suited racing over distances further than those in its most recent starts. Trainer W Johnston agreed with the comments made by jockey Murphy stating that the gelding derived significant benefit racing over a better suited distance. Trainer Johnston further stated that in its recent starts, the gelding had the tendency to overrace and as a result he removed its visors, replacing it with blinkers. Trainer Johnston concluded stating along with the gear change and the fact that the gelding had been working well in the lead up to today’s event, he was expecting the forward showing.
 
NEPTUNE LEGEND – Held up in the early stages of the home straight until a point near the 400m.
 
GRAECI – Held up for majority of the home straight and had to momentarily steady to avoid the heels of GENERAL HIPPO when that runner shifted outwards. Jockey J Murphy was reminded of his obligations to ensure he straightens his mounts when shifting ground in future.
 
BOOM BOOM BELLA – Shifted inwards on jumping. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
LATIN LOVE – Slow to begin. When asked to comment on the performance, jockey C McIver stated that the mare failed to respond to his riding urges at any stage in the event and that LATIN LOVE may not have handled the quick back up from its most recent start.
 
SPELLMASTER (NZ) – Bumped with VICTORY’S GHOST on jumping.
 
MILAGRO – Laid out when placed under pressure in the home straight. Jockey T Chambers pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using her whip 10 times prior to the 100m, 16 times in total. Jockey Chambers’ licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 10 days, with the suspension to commence midnight 21st June 2025 and to conclude midnight 1st July 2025. In determining penalty, stewards took into consideration the QRIC whip penalty guidelines.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2.         Trainer Tom Smith – AR106(2) – Presented with incorrect gear

Suspensions
Race 6.         Jockey Tasha Chambers – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Whip use – Midnight 21/06/25 to midnight 1/07/25 – 10 days

Race day injuries/illness
Apprentice Nikki Olzard – Soreness in left knee – cleared by QAS officers

 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
GRUMPYWANTSATISSUE, DEEP BLAST, BEE TWO, NICCONORI, NORTHTHUMBRIA
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 3.         FROSTY BEAR – Lameness Right Hindleg – Veterinary clearance required
Race 3.         ZHUANG SHI – Barrier manners – Further barrier certificate
Race 5.         OUTWITTED – Barrier manners – Further barrier certificate
Race 5.         COCO ROYALE – Poor performance – Required to trial and banned from TAB race meetings until form improve
 

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 5.         COCO ROYALE – Adam Sewell
Race 6.         MILAGRO – Tasha Chambers


Late scratchings
 
Race 3.         FROSTY BEAR – Late scratching @ 12:39pm on veterinary advice
Race 5.         OUTWITTED – Late scratching @ 3:50pm 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.