QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

SUNSHINE COAST TURF CLUB

SUNDAY 18 MAY 2025

WEATHER – Fine TRACK RATING –  Synthetic     RAIL – True
PENETROMETER – N/A

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – E. Scott
Stewards – J. Williamson, A. Dowsett, H. Matthews, P. Reardon, J. Robinson.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT


GENERAL
Trainer D Hansen was fined the sum of $200 pursuant to LR67.1 for the late declaration of SCOTTVILLE SCOOTER (T Brooker) and VIVID ENCOUNTER (A Jones).
 
Trainer J Smerdon was fined the sum of $100 pursuant to LR67.1 for the late declaration of TOTALLY UNDERRATED (Apprentice B Wheeler).
 
As apprentice J Williams was unable to make the allocated weight in race 5, he was replaced on VIVID ENCOUNTER by jockey A Jones. Stewards accepted apprentice J Williams’ explanation for being unable to make the allocated weight.
 
As jockey P Hamblin was unable to make the allocated weight in race 1, he was replaced on PRIDE OF NASHVILLE by B Newport. P Hamblin was issued a reprimand pursuant to AR190(3) for being unable to make the allocated weight.
 
Trainer B Hull was issued a reprimand pursuant to AR102(a) for failing to notify stewards that HALFACHANCE had been gelded.
 
 

Race 1: ENDED QTIS TWO-YEARS-OLD MAIDEN PLATE      1000 M

BOURBON COUNTY Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
EARLY EDITION When asked to comment on performance jockey J Guthman-Chester reported that in his opinion the gelding raced greenly and hung out throughout.
 
HALFACHANCE On jumping away, was hampered and lost ground when SECRET SCOUT shifted out.
 
PRIDE OF NASHVILLE Over raced in the early and middle stages. Raced wide and without cover throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
SECRET SCOUT Began awkwardly and shifted out onto HALFACHANCE. Raced wide throughout.
 
TRAIL BOSS Reared on jumping away. Laid in throughout. When asked to comment on performance, jockey L Tarrant reported that in his opinion the gelding raced greenly and hung in throughout.
 
HAPPY COFFEE Began awkwardly. Near the 800m when racing greenly, was steadied to avoid the heels of TRAIL BOSS which when laying in, shifted in. Over raced in the middle stages after being crossed by TRAIL BOSS.

Race 2: CHANGE EXCHANGE MAIDEN PLATE         1600 M
The start of this event was delayed due to ELEMISS dislodging its rider on route to the barriers and galloped freely before being caught. Jockey L Tarrant being examined by the Queensland Ambulance Service and SHUBMAN needing a girth replacement at the barriers.
 
Prior to the running of this event, jockey L Tarrant was examined by the Queensland Ambulance Service after being dislodged from its mount ELEMISS and was cleared to take his engagement.

MISSILE AWAY Began awkwardly and was slow to begin.
 
GALAXY SUNSET Over raced in the early stages. When asked to comment on the tactics adopted in today’s event, apprentice J Williams stated that it was his intention to lead on the gelding. Trainer G Gauci-Merchant explained that although the gelding settled further back in its previous starts, the instructions have always been to go forward and the instructions today were to go forward and to lead if possible. Trainer G Gauci-Merchant was reprimanded pursuant to AR100(1)(a) and advised that if she has a runner that is to be ridden in a different manner to how the horse was ridden at its most recent start, they must notify stewards prior to running.
 
 
SHUBMAN On arrival at the barriers had to have its girth replaced.
 
ARLO'S LOVE Began awkwardly. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer K O’Neill was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to ARLO’S LOVE accepting for a future jump out, trial or race.
 
UNDER ARREST (NZ) Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early stages. Raced wide throughout.
 
ELEMISS On route to the barriers, dislodged its rider L Tarrant and galloped freely for some distance. Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection and was cleared to start. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

Race 3: CIVIL SCAPES MAIDEN PLATE       1100 M

BIT OF GRUNT Held up for clear running from the 350m until inside the 200m.
 
BRAVE COWBOY BILL Raced wide throughout. When questioned regarding the performance of BRAVE COWBOY BILL in today’s event, jockey R Maloney explained that in his opinion, with the gelding being first up from a spell, settling wide and on speed throughout the event. He believes it may have been detrimental to the gelding’s performance and proved disappointing to the finish. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow post-race recovery.
 
HE IS THE KISS Held up rounding the home turn until approaching the 200m.
 
CHIARO DI LUNA Began awkwardly, shifted out and contacted JIDAYUBORI. Raced wide throughout.
 
EQUINE ART Began awkwardly and shortly after was contacted by BLOODS A RUSHIN’.
 
JIDAYUBORI Contacted on jumping away by CHIARO DI LUNA.
 
STANAGE BAY Began awkwardly. Leaving the 300m had to take hold of his mount and alter course to avoid the heels of EQUINE ART which shifted in and as a result lost its rightful running. Jockey L Dempsey pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR131(a) when under riding was held up for clear running, shifted in under riding in to the running line of STANAGE BAY ridden by A Spinks, forcing jockey A Spinks to take hold of his mount and alter course to avoid the heels of EQUINE ART and as a result lost its rightful running. Jockey L Dempsey’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 11 days, commencing midnight, Saturday the 24th of May, concluding midnight, Wednesday 4th of June. In assessing penalty, account was taken of his guilty plea, record and a QRIC careless riding guidelines.  
 
BLOODS A RUSHIN' Began awkwardly.
 
BRODIES VOYAGE Had difficulty obtaining clear running from the entrance to the home straight until approaching 200m.
 
Race 4: METSURE INSURANCE BROKERS BM68 HANDICAP         1100 M

LITTLE TOWN BLUES Raced wide throughout.
 
RUBY CHICKS Apprentice R Thorburn pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m and 11 occasions in totality and was fined the sum of $500.
 
ULTIMATE OUTCOME Slow to begin.
 
LIMERO Raced wide throughout. When questioned in regard to the performance of LIMERO in today’s event. Jockey K Wilson-Taylor reported that he felt the gelding didn’t travel in the early stages and felt he had to apply the whip from the 800m. He suggested to the connections of LIMERO to step the horse up in distance, so as to take advantage of a steadier tempo in order to allow the horse to travel.
 
Race 5: QTCH QTIS THREE-YEARS-OLD MAIDEN PLATE      1400 M

JUST WALTER On jumping away was hampered when tightened between PEE BEE NOIR and KOBABILITY.
 
PARO Raced wide throughout.
 
KOBABILITY Near the 1000m was steadied when the filly improved onto the heels of PEE BEE NOIR. Over the concluding stages improved on to the heels of JUST WALTER and as a result was untested to the line.
 
PEE BEE NOIR Began awkwardly and bumped with JUST WALTER.
 
VIVID ENCOUNTER Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. On pulling up, became awkward in its action. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to have sustained a near fore suspensory ligament injury, fractures to the sesamoid bone and was humanely euthanized.
 
ARODASI Slow to begin.
 
DOUBLE WHAMMY Had difficulty obtaining clear running from near the 300m to inside 100m
 
HEYHEY IT'S JAYJAY Laid out under pressure in the home straight.
 
A BIT DUSTY Apprentice C Sutherland reported on return to scales that the gelding hung out and, in his opinion, may have resented the kick back from the synthetic track.  Trainer G Duncan was advised that a warning would be placed on the gelding for hanging out.
 
 
Race 6: COASTLINE BMW BM55 HANDICAP         1100 M

 
SIR MAURICE Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
MR POLAR Raced wide throughout. When asked to comment on performance, jockey R Maloney stated that he felt the gelding travelled well until when asked to quicken from near the 400m and failed to stretch out. Trainer M Butler advised Stewards that MR POLAR was having its first start on the synthetic track and in his opinion, it did not handle the synthetic surface, and it would be his intention not to start the gelding on the synthetic track again. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
CIRCLE OF LOVE On jumping away was hampered when tightened between RIVA D’AMOR and MR POLAR. Raced wide throughout. Was momentarily inconvenienced over the concluding stages when VICTORY STATEMENT shifted out.
 
ASHILLA Near the 900m was momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of RIVA D'AMOR which shifted in. Jockey D McGillivray was issued a reprimand pursuant to AR131(a) for this incident. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
RIVA D'AMOR Began awkwardly.
 
REVITUP CHARLIE Raced wide throughout.
 
VICTORY STATEMENT Raced fiercely in the early stages. Near the 900m when racing keenly, improved onto and clipped the heels of ASHILLA. Stewards questioned jockey L Tarrant in regards to his riding inside the 100m. Rider explained that the filly was finishing the race off extremely well and at the same time RIVA D’AMOR was weakening quickly, rider further added that he was surprised how quickly VICTORY STATEMENT had improved onto the heels of RIVA D’AMOR and had no other option but to severely check and shift out abruptly to avoid that mares heels. Stewards noted his explanation.
 
Race 7: RM DEVELOPMENTS BM68 HANDICAP         1400 M

ITALIAN RIVIERA Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after becoming fractious in its barrier and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly, shifted in and contacted WHISTLING SPIRIT. Held up rounding the home turn and had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 100m.
 
TORQUE LEICA STAR Slow to begin.
 
BECAMO Laid out in the straight.
 
WHISTLING SPIRIT Was contacted by ITALIAN RIVIERA on jumping away. Raced wide throughout.

Race 8: SUNSHINE COAST CIVIL BM55 HANDICAP         1400 M

CHARMING NIC Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
CLUSTER'S REIN Raced wide throughout.
 
CHAPARRAL CHASE Began awkwardly.
 
NEOCLASSICISM Raced wide throughout. Jockey B Lerena dropped his whip near the 100m. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
STATE A FACT Raced wide throughout.
 
ZATTASTAR Began awkwardly.
 
WAR TOO ALL Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
RHODES Stood flat footed at the start and in consequence lost significant ground. Trainer P & W Hulbert were advised that RHODES would now be required to gain a barrier certificate in a future jump out or trial. Trainer P & W Hulbert advised stewards that it would be their intention to look at moving the horse on from the stable. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SET ABLAZE Began awkwardly and was slow to begin. Held up for clear running from rounding the home turn until near the 150m.
 
ASTERN VILLA Raced wide throughout.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
B Hull – Pursuant to AR102(a) - Failing to notify stewards that HALFACHANCE had been gelded.
 
P Hamblin – Pursuant to AR190(3) Unable to make the allocated weight in race 1 on PRIDE OF NASHVILLE.
 
G Gauci-Merchant – Pursuant to AR100(1)(a) – Failed to notify the change of tactics for GALAXY SUNSET.
 
Race 6 D McGillivray – Pursuant to AR131(a) – Careless riding.
 
Fines
D Hansen - Fined $200 pursuant to LR67.1 - late declaration of SCOTTVILLE SCOOTER and VIVID ENCOUNTER.
 
J Smerdon - Fined $100 pursuant to LR67.1 - late declaration of TOTALLY UNDERRATED.
 
Race 4 – Apprentice R Thorburn – Fined $500 pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii).  
 
Suspensions
L Dempsey – Pursuant to AR131(a) – Careless riding - Permitted his mount to shift in, when insufficiently clear of STANAGE BAY which was obliged to take hold and alter course to avoid the heels of EQUINE ART.L Dempsey’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 11 days, commencing midnight, Saturday the 24th of May, concluding midnight, Wednesday 4th of June.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
R2 PREFER TO DANCE (NZ) & UNDER ARREST (NZ).
R5 PEE BEE NOIR.
R7 ITALIAN RIVIERA & MAYNE.
R8 CHARMING NIC.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2 ARLO’S LOVE – Lame off foreleg – Veterinary clearance required.

Race 5 A BIT DUSTY – Warning for hanging out.
 
Race 8 RHODES – Barrier certificate required – Stood flat footed.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: 4 PRIDE OF NASHVILLE – Brandon Newport
Race 3: 13 SCOTTVILLE SCOOTER - Tiffani Brooker
Race 4: 10 KAVAK - Mark Du Plessis
Race 5: 11 TOTALLY UNDERRATED - Bailey Wheeler (a0/52kg),
            12 VIVID ENCOUNTER – Angela Jones
            14e DOUBLE WHAMMY - Jag Guthmann-Chester
            15e HEYHEY IT’S JAYJAY - Jake Bayliss
Race 7: 11 OPITO BALLERINA (NZ) - Mark Du Plessis
            18e WHISTLING SPIRIT - Robbie Dolan
Race 8: 17e STEP ON FIRE - Luke Tarrant



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.