QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

ROCKHAMPTON JOCKEY CLUB INC

THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 2026

WEATHER – OVERCAST FINE   
TRACK RATING –   SOFT 5         
RAIL – +0.5m ENTIRE
PENETROMETER – 5.85

OFFICIALS

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

GENERAL
 
Stewards approved overweight as per the race day summary.
 
Trainer Jessica Kuhn was fined $100 under LR36(6)(a) for failing to scratch dually accepted PEAKING TOM from one of its engagements by the prescribed time.
 
Trainer Ricky Vale was questioned in relation to the scratching of MASTER MONTARO from race two. Mr Vale advised that the gelding had an elevated temperature Tuesday morning and as a result was treated accordingly and scratched immediately from today’s engagement. The trainer further advised that if MASTER MONTARO responded appropriately, he would look to start the gelding on Sunday 18 January 2026.
 

RACE 1: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN PLATE 1600M
 
Prior to correct weight, K Zechner, rider of second placed ZOUSAIN GIRL, viewed the replays of the home straight in relation to possible interference from the winner. After viewing the replays, jockey K Zechner was satisfied that there were no grounds for a protest and correct weight was declared.

READY LIGHTLY – Jumped at the start and bumped with ANNA CHATABOX. Over raced in the early and middle stages. Shifted ground outwards under pressure over the final 300m.
 
STELLAR LEGEND – Fractious and reared in the barriers. The gelding was removed from the barriers and underwent a veterinary examination before being cleared to start. A further warning was issued against the barrier manners of the gelding. Began awkwardly.
 
BE BOB ALOOLA – Brushed with ZOUSAIN GIRL near the 200m when that runner shifted outwards. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight.
 
MAHTIKKAINSTINCT – Began awkwardly.
 
ANNA CHATABOX – Jumped outwards at the start and bumped with READY LIGHTLY.
 
CIRQUE DE LA VIE (NZ) – Over raced in the middle stages. Jockey W Satherley, when questioned regarding his mount leading, which appeared to be in contrast to recent starts. Mr Satherley advised that he was instructed to ride the horse in a position where comfortable and after beginning well and being able to obtain the lead without any pressure being applied, he was satisfied to rate the horse in an effort to dictate terms to suit best.
 
ZOUSAIN GIRL – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Laid out and shifted ground outwards over the final 300m and as a result brushed with BE BOB ALOOLA near the
 

RACE 2: TAB OPEN HANDICAP  1050M

DOUBTING EYE – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin. Held up for clear racing room in the early part of the home straight until a point near the 300m.
 
EARLY FUSION – Laid out under pressure in the home straight. Apprentice M Apel was reminded of her obligations in relation to taking corrective measures when her mounts shift ground.
 
OBLIGATED – Carried wider on the track near the 700m when CAPTAIN FOX shifted outwards. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight.
 
MR TANGLES – Fractious in the barriers. Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
CAPTAIN FOX – Raced keenly in the early and shifted out across the heels of MR TANGLES near the 700m and carried OBLIGATED wider on the track.
 


RACE 3: RJC'S SUNDAY SESSION 18TH JANUARY MAIDEN PLATE 1050M
 
The start of this race was delayed when WYNN WORTHY proved very fractious when receiving remedial farrier work in the tie up stalls.

MOOCHI STARLIGHT – Bumped with OUR LAST CHANCE at the start. Jockey R Wiggins reported that the gelding performed below expectations and failed to respond to his riding efforts in the home straight. Trainer J Wiggington advised he intended to discuss the racing future of MOOCHI STARLIGHT with connections in the coming days.
 
WYNN WORTHY – Sprung a hind shoe in the tie ups and proved difficult to re-shoe, as a result the other shoe was removed and the gelding raced bare foot behind. Underwent a veterinary examination behind the barriers and was cleared to start. Slow to begin.
 
PENROD – Began awkwardly and bumped with SEND THE MONEY soon after the start. Raced wide throughout. Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
WAX ON WAX OFF – Began awkwardly.
 
OUR LAST CHANCE – Jumped inwards at the start and bumped with MOOCHI STARLIGHT and as a result was impeded. Raced greenly throughout. Shifted out leaving the 600m and bumped with SEND THE MONEY.
 
SEND THE MONEY – Jumped inwards at the start and bumped with PENROD and was slow into stride. Hung in under pressure in the home straight. Bumped by OUR LAST CHANCE leaving the 600m.
 
GIRLS GOT ATTITUDE – Over raced in the early and middle stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Held up for clear racing room until a point near the 400m.
 
LADY WILLPOWER – Raced wide in the early stages. Carried wider near the 700m when GIRLS GOT ATTITUDE shifted outwards.
 
SHEMAKESMENERVOUS – Began awkwardly.
 
CRAIGLEA MONNIE – Raced keenly in the early stages. Jockey N Summers was reminded of her obligations to ensure she rides her mounts out fully to the finish.
 
JUST LIKE ROSIE – Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
 

RACE 4: AIRTECH REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING MAIDEN HANDICAP 1300M
 
The start of this race was delayed due to the on-course ambulance officers having to attend to trainer Jessica Kuhn after she was struck in the head region by her runner in the previous race.

MARIKO – Began awkwardly. Hung in under pressure in the home straight.
 
KAJETAN – Fractious in the barriers. Raced wide in the early and middle stages. Hung in under pressure in the home straight and had to be corrected on a number of occasions by the rider.
 
STEP OBSESSED – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout. Jockey W Satherley was unable to offer any tangible explanation for the poor performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed signs of tying up with no other apparent abnormalities detected. Trainer D Gardiner was advised that a warning has been placed against the performance of STEP OBSESSED.
 
DAWSON DREAMER – Began awkwardly, bumping with WHENHARRY METELSIE and then raced ungenerously in the early stages.
 
HEROIC TALENT – Began awkwardly.
 
WHENHARRY METELSIE – Bumped with DASON DREAMER at the start. Raced wide throughout.
 
JOHN'S ROAD – Hung in under pressure in the home straight. It was reported that the gelding lost the left hind shoe in running. A post-race veterinary examination revealed lameness to the left hind and trainer P Duncan was advised that a veterinary clearance is required prior to the gelding resuming racing.
 


RACE 5: K N CIVIL EARTHWORKS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD AND FOUR-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP 1100M

SARAQAEL – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
AMERICAN CONQUEST – Bumped with TARA I AM at the start.
 
FOUR LEAF WONDER – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin. Switch course inwards across the heels of NEXT LEGACY near the 50m to maintain clear running. The day subsequent to the race meeting jockey T Chambers pleaded guilty to a charge under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for applying the whip to her mount on 10 occasions prior to the 100m and 13 times in total. The license to ride in races of Ms Chambers was suspended for 8 days to commence midnight 18/1/2026 and conclude midnight 26/1/2026.
 
NEXT LEGACY – Jockey R Silvera Olivera was reminded of his obligations in relation to riding his mounts out fully to the finish. In not taking further action stewards noted that close to the finish, TARA I AM had shifted outwards towards the line of NEXT LEGACY.
 
I'M A CONDYGIRL – Knuckled at the start. Raced greenly under pressure in the home straight. Cast the left fore shoe in running.
 
INNOVADER – Raced wide throughout. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight.
 
TARA I AM – Began awkwardly and bumped with AMERICAN CONQUEST. Apprentice T Fenlon advised that her mount hung out under pressure in the home straight and she recommended to the trainer to consider possible gear changes to rectify this trait.
 
PARTY FOR US – Began awkwardly. Apprentice F Sandkuhl pleaded guilty to a charge under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for applying the whip to her mount on 9 occasions prior to the 100m and 10 times in total and was fined $500 in accordance with the whip penalty guidelines.
 


RACE 6: NORTH TULLAMORE PASTORAL COMPANY CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1600M

GENERAL WOLFFE – Began awkwardly. Trapped wide in the early stages and then progressed forward until obtaining the position outside the leader near the 850m. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
SOUTHAVEN – Bumped at the start with FIOREEN.
 
FIOREEN – Shifted in on jumping and bumped with SOUTHAVEN. Jockey G Cartwright advised that the mare failed to run on when placed under pressure in the home straight after travelling relatively well during the run. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a poor post-race recovery and as such trainer K Miller was advised that the mare must undergo a satisfactory trial prior to its next start.
 
PEAKING TOM – Slow into stride.
 
SKILFUL ARTIST – Fractious in the barriers. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
JAY BEE ELL (NZ) – A post-race veterinary examination revealed lameness to the left foreleg and trainer M Barnham was advised that a veterinary clearance is required prior to the gelding’s next start.
 
OUTTA CONTROL – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin as a result. When questioned in relation to the seemingly improved performance, trainer T Cook stated that the gelding raced very wide throughout at its most recent start and prior to that had only been beaten narrowly into fifth place. The trainer further added that he was of the view that the gelding was aided by a good run in transit.
 
GRUMPYWANTSATISSUE – Very slow to begin. Jockey K Zechner, when questioned in relation to the performance, advised that the gelding failed to respond to his riding efforts from the 600m and proved to be disappointing.
 

RACE 7: WADE HUNT IT CLASS 4 HANDICAP 1200M

OUR TURN NOW (NZ) – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
DEFERENTIAL – Raced wide throughout.
 
PRINCE OF SOOVIEW – Began awkwardly. A post-race veterinary examination revealed lameness in the right foreleg and as a result trainer D Hansen was advised that a veterinary clearance is required prior to the gelding’s next start.
 
PRESOCRATICS – Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
RED BEAUTY – Began awkwardly and jumped inwards at the start bumping with LOVE MY LOUIS.
 
DARLING CLEMENTINE – Began awkwardly and was slow to begin. Held up for a clear run until a point near the 300m.
 
ANSWERING – Held up for clear racing room in the early part of the home straight.
 
THE LAST SAGA – Hung in under pressure over the final 200m.
 
LOVE MY LOUIS – Bumped at the start by RED BEAUTY. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
 

RACE 8: REGIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1200M

Prior to Correct weight being declared, T Cook, trainer of third placed OUR HEART THROB viewed the replays to consider whether there were grounds for a protest. After viewing the replays Mr Cook declined to proceed and correct weight was declared.
 
OUTBACK RINGER – Inclined to lay in under pressure.
 
ALL TOO LUCKY – Reared and was fractious in the barriers. Removed from the barriers, underwent a veterinary examination and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly. Over raced in the early stages.
 
DIAMOND MONEY – Slow to begin. Tightened and raced in restricted room for a number of strides near the 100m when HOLY CROWN shifted in when insufficiently clear. Jockey N Summers pleaded guilty to a charge under AR131(a) for carelessly allowing her mount to shift in and tighten the ground of DIAMOND MONEY for a number of strides. Her license to ride in races of Ms Summers was suspended for 6 days to commence midnight tonight and conclude midnight 14 January 2026. In assessing penalty stewards considered the low-level degree of interference, the rider exemplary record and the QRIC Careless Riding Template.
 
VICTORY'S GHOST – Trainer D Gardiner was fined $100 under AR106(1) for presenting the gelding without blinkers, which are part of the horses declared gear. Began awkwardly and was slow to begin. Shifted out under pressure near the 200m.
 
SAINT CAYETANO – Raced wide throughout.
 
RUM RUNNER (NZ) – Awkwardly placed on the heels of VICTORY’S GHOST (T Fenlon) near the 200m when that runner shifted out. Apprentice T Fenlon was reprimanded under AR131(a) for carelessly permitting her mount to shift ground at that point of the race. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
BRAZEN SAILOR – Raced wide throughout. When questioned in relation to the performance, jockey R Wiggins advised that he was instructed to ride in a positive manner from a favorable barrier draw, however, was caught three wide throughout and in his view this impacted the capability of the gelding finishing the race off in a more competitive manner. The rider further added that he failed to continue to apply pressure his mount over the final stages as the gelding failed to respond to his riding efforts a was no longer able to improve its position.
 
LUXOR PRINCE – Slow into stride. Switched wider on the track at a point near the 200m to maintain clear racing room.
 
WHATTA WHITT – Over raced in the early and middle stages. Raced wide throughout. Inclined to lay in over the concluding stages.
 
SPIRIT TALKER – Put in an awkward stride near the 800m.
 
HOLY CROWN – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Shifted inwards under pressure near the 100m resulting in DIAMOND MONEY racing in restricted room and being tightened for a number of strides. Jockey N Summers was fined $600 under AR132(7)(a)(ii) for applying the whip to her mount on 9 occasions prior to the 100m and 10 times in total.
 


RACE 9: THOMOS BETTA HOME LIVING BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP   1400 M

Correct weight was delayed to allow stewards to hear a protest lodged by connections of third placed SMASHING ROSIE (apprentice M Mankelow) against second placed REPLACE THE ACE (apprentice T Fenlon), alleging interference inside the final 200m. After considering submissions from the relevant parties and viewing the available replays it was established that leaving the 200m SMASHING ROSIE had improved into and established a run to the outside of REPLACE THE ACE and that runner commenced to shift out under hard riding and as a consequence SMASHING ROSIE was tightened for racing room between REPLACE THE ACE and KAREEM and checked for approximately seven strides and lost considerable momentum. When considering the degree of interference suffered to SMASHING ROSIE, the momentum lost, the margin between the two runners at the point of interference and then at the finish, stewards were satisfied that but for the interference suffered by SMASHING ROSIE, that runner would have beaten RELACE THE ACE at the finish of the race and therefore upheld the protest.
 
KAREEM – Slow to begin.
 
PRESSZORA – Began awkwardly. Jockey A Butler reported that the mare failed to respond to his riding urges from the 600m, finished the race off in a dour manner and the mare may have come to the end of its current preparation. Trainer C Taylor confirmed that PRESSORA will now be sent for a spell.
 
BOOM BOOM RAY – Slow to begin.
 
FIFTY FIVE MUSTANG – Very fractious in the barriers and was removed to undergo a veterinary examination before being cleared to start. A warning has been issued against horses’ barrier manners.
 
REPLACE THE ACE – Began awkwardly. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the early part of the home straight. Shifted outwards under hard riding approaching and leaving the 100m.
 
ROYAL GLADIATOR – Began awkwardly. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight.
 
EL FORTRESS – Raced wide throughout.
 
SMASHING ROSIE – Slow to begin. Checked for some distance approaching and leaving the 100m. Apprentice T Fenlon pleaded guilty to a charge under AR131(a) for carelessly allowing her mount to shift out under hard riding approaching and leaving the 100m when insufficiently clear of SMASHING ROSIE, resulting in that runner being checked for some distance and losing its rightful running. The license to ride in races of Ms Fenlon was suspended for 11 days to commence midnight 17 January 2026 and conclude midnight 28 January 2026.
 
SADDLES – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. When questioned in relation to the performance apprentice N Olzard stated that her mount had travelled well however getting trapped wide proved detrimental to the geldings finishing chances. She further added that in her opinion SADDLES may not have appreciated the back up from the Mackay meeting on the 30th December 2025.
 
AIN'T NOBODY – Began awkwardly. Held up for clear racing room until a point near the 400m.
 
THE PROPHECY – Began very awkwardly and was slow to begin.
 
SOFTEN IT UP – Raced keenly in the early stages. Eased down in the home straight and failed to finish. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a tendon injury to the right foreleg and trainer D Schultz was advised that a veterinary clearance is required prior to the gelding’s next start.
 
LEICA BITA FUN – Began awkwardly.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Overweights
Race 6 – Jockey R Silvera Olivera + 1kg
Race 8 – Jockey Cody Collis +1kg
Race 9 – Jockey Tasha Chambers +1kg
 
Reprimands
Race 8 Apprentice Tahlia Fenlon – Carelessly permitted mount to shift ground.

Fines
Race 5 Apprentice Fiona Sandkuhl – $500, AR132(7)(a)(ii) whip use prior 100m.
Race 8 Trainer D Gardiner – $100, AR106(1) present runner without declared gear.
Race 8 Jockey Natalea Summers – $600, AR132(7)(a)(ii) whip use prior to 100m.
Race 9 - Trainer Jessica Kuhn $100, LR36(6)(a) fail to scratch dual acceptor by prescribed time.
 
Suspensions
Race 5 Jockey Tasha Chambers – AR132(7)(a)(ii) whip use – Suspended 8 days M/n 18/01/25  to M/n 26/01/26
Race 8 Jockey Natalea Summers – AR131(a) careless riding – Suspended 6 days M/n 8/01/2026 to M/n 14/01/2026.
Race 9 Apprentice Tahlia Fenlon – AR131(a) careless riding – Suspended 11 days M/n 17/01/2026 to M/n 28/01/2026.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
ZOUSAIN GIRL, EARLY FUSION, WAX ON WAX OFF, PEAKING TOM, DEFERENTIAL, SMASHING ROSIE
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1 STALLAR LEGEND – Warning issued barrier manners.
Race 4 STEP OBSESSED – Warning poor performance.
Race 4 JOHN’S ROAD – Veterinary certificate required.
Race 5 GRUMPYWANTSATISSUE – Warning – Stood flat footed at the start.
Race 6 FIOREEN – Satisfactory trial – poor performance
Race 6 JAY BEE ELL (NZ) – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 7 PRINCE OF SOOVIEW – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 9 FIFTY FIVE MUSTANG – Warning issued barrier manners.
Race 9 SOFTEN IT UP – Veterinary clearance required.
 
Protests
Race 9 Third (SMASHING ROSIE) vs second (RELACE THE ACE) upheld.


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.