QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT
 

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB
 
 SATURDAY 19 JULY 2025
 
 

WEATHER – FINE             TRACK RATING – SOFT (5) – upgraded to GOOD (4) following Race 3RAIL – 3 METRES ENTIRE COURSE
PENETROMETER – 5.55

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R Neal
Stewards – D Griffiths, P. Gillard and J. McIntosh  

GENERAL
 
Permitted overweights:
Race 1: Graham Kliese - (SMART MISSION) + 0.5kg 
Race 1: Sean Cormack - (SWATOW) + 1kg
Race 1: Adam Sewell - (SIMPLY DIVINE) + 0.50kg
Race 6: Sean Cormack - (SMART LEGEND) + 0.5kg
Race 6: Adam Sewell - (READY TIGER) + 0.5kg
Race 7: Sean Cormack – (BRADSHAW) + 1kg
Race 9: Ivo Fry – (FAMILY STAR) + 1kg
Race 10: Adam Sewell – (LOOK AT ROSA) + 0.50kg 
 
 
SUPPLIMENTARY REPORTS
 
INGHAM RACE CLUB  - Saturday 12th July 2025
Race 1: COSCA ACCOUNTANT'S QTIS MAIDEN PLATE 1200 M
 
Trainer Mr Troy Clive advised Stewards that a subsequent blood test taken from SNEAKY TAY, following its disappointing performance, revealed the filly to be suffering from a virus, which will require a brief spell.
 
BURDEKIN RACE CLUB – Saturday 29th June 2024
Race 3: President 1930-1945 Victor Hanson Benchmark 55 Handicap
 
Following consideration of all relevant circumstances surrounding Jockey Sheargold being declared for both BABY GUINESS and THE SHERPA, Stewards acknowledged that while his prior record in relation to dual engagements is less than satisfactory, there were mitigating factors on this occasion that lessened his culpability. In light of these factors, Stewards determined that the matter did not warrant the laying of a formal charge.
However, Jockey Sheargold was issued with a firm reminder of his responsibility to ensure that all communications regarding riding engagements are clear, accurate, and unambiguous.
 
CAIRNS JOCKEY CLUB - Sunday 3 March 2024
Race 4: LADBROKES RACING CLUB BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP 1500 M
 
Stewards today concluded an investigation into Apprentice Gabrielle Semmens’ riding of CALDANTE, which lost contact with the main body of the field in the early stages before making ground from the 400 metres and finishing in fourth place. After reviewing the race footage and taking evidence from trainer Mr Trevor Rowe, it was established that CALDANTE overreacted to being restrained when shifting closer to the rail, resulting in it losing ground.
 
While acknowledging that this contributed to the positioning of the horse, Stewards were of the view that Apprentice Semmens had erred in not making an earlier effort to recover the ground lost. Taking all circumstances into account, Stewards elected not to proceed with any formal action, but Apprentice Semmens was advised that in similar circumstances she must demonstrate greater urgency to maintain competitive positioning of her runners.
 
 
Race 1: MAGIC MILLIONS TOWNSVILLE DOLLARS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP – 1400 Metres

ARGUABLE – Jumped in at the start tightening runners to its inside.
 
THAT'S IT – Jumped out at the start tightening runners to its outside. Raced wide without cover for the majority of the race.
 
DUBALENE – Tightened for room on jumping and lost ground. Over-raced approaching the 1,000 metres. Raced wide for the majority of the race.  A post-race veterinary examination of filly identified the presence of blood in both nostrils. DUBALENE shall not without the permission of the Stewards: (a) for a period of 2 months after the attack of bleeding, be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse, recognized training track, private training establishment, or other place; (b) must not start in any race for a period of 3 months, and then only after: i. a gallop of at least 1,000 metres; or ii. an official trial or jump-out; in the presence, and to the satisfaction of a Steward.
 
SIMPLY DIVINE – Tightened for room on jumping.
 
REMLAP KAVA – Shifted in near the 1050 metres brushing the running rail.
 

Race 2: JEWELLERY BY DESIGN QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE – 1200 Metres

AIRWAVES – Jumped out at start making heavy contact with ROYAL PROPHECY. Over-raced in the early stages. When questioned after racing below market expectation jockey Graham Kliese advised that the gelding had raced very greenly throughout, with this, and being obliged to race wide, being a  telling factor on its performance today. Stewards noted his explanation.  
WHATTA MISSION – Stewards questioned trainer Ms. Georgia Holt regarding the seemingly improved performance today as to the geldings previous run. In explanation Ms. Holt stated that it was the geldings first start for stable today and that the removal of blinkers had proved beneficial to its performance. Stewards noted her explanation.   
DESARAE DOLL – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early stages. Stewards questioned rider Lacey Morrison in regard to her riding of the filly over the concluding stages where she changed her riding actions over the 100 metres, In explanation Ms. Morrison stated that the filly had peaked on its run passing the 150 metres and was struggling to maintain her momentum from this point and therefore she was trying her best to coax DESARAE DOLL as best she could. Stewards noted her explanation, also noting that DESIREE GIRL was first up and had been obliged to race wide during the running.
OBEY THE LAW – Raced wide in the early and middle stages.
ROYAL PROPHECY – Bumped heavily on jumping.
SHE'S A SWEET STAR – Slow to begin.

Race 3: ST MARK'S SWING LOW MAIDEN PLATE – 1300 Metres 

TRUSTING STAR – Slow to begin. Forced inwards near the 250 metres.
 
IRISH GIFT – Shifted inwards on jumping bumping with RAPID POWER. Improved onto heels and shifted in near the 250 metres forcing TRUSTING STAR inward and on to BINGHAMPTON which was inconvenienced. Jockey Ivo Fry was advised to show greater care in similar circumstances.
 
RAPID POWER – Shifted out on jumping bumping with IRISH GIFT. Commenced to over-race for a short distance approaching the 1,000 metres.
 
COOL MACAW – Shifted in crowding VEGAMEISTER when improving near the 1000 metres.
 
STARMEIRA – Commenced to race ungenerously and was steadied near the 1000 metres when racing in restricted room.
 
VEGAMEISTER – Momentarily crowded near the 1,000 metres.

ARIK LAD – Raced ungenerously in the middle stages.
 
BINGHAMTON – Steadied when hampered near the 250 metres.
 
EXTREMELY FRILLY – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
ONE SHOT MORE – Raced wide for the majority.

HOLD MY HALO – Raced wide without cover for the majority of the race.
 
Following the running of this race the track was upgraded to a Good (4). 
 

Race 4: BELLE PROPERTY TOWNSVILLE QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD AND THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

KHALS – Slow to begin.
 
SUPID DATE – Slow to begin.
 
SATISFIED MUGS – Began awkwardly and shifted out. Raced wide for the majority.
 
HAND GRENADE – Shifted out at the start bumping with OUTBID. Commenced to over-race when being restrained near the 800 metres when attempting to take a position closer to the inside running rail.  
 
LITTLE IFFY – Raced wide for the majority.
 
FOREHAND DRIVE – A post-race veterinary examination revealed soreness in the off-fore tendon. Co-Trainer Mr Peter Rowe was advised that a veterinary certificate if soundness must be provided prior to the filly racing or trialing again.  
 

Race 5: ALTITUDE WEALTH MANAGEMENT BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP – 1000 Meters

KING SAMUEL – Slow to begin and was unable to muster any early speed.
 
NO LOVE LOST – Began awkwardly. Held up for clear running entering the home until near the 200 metres. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a laceration on its near stifle which was treated by the course veterinarian.
 
MIDAS STAR – Bumped on jumping.
 
BELLA ACE – Shifted out at the start forcing COUNTER COMMAND wider. Raced wide for the majority of the race.  
 
COUNTER COMMAND – Forced wider on jumping and bumped with JUNGLE JUICE. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. As this is the second occasion on which COUNTER COMMAND had bled, it will now, pursuant to AR79(6) incur a lifetime ban from racing.
 
NORTHERNONTAP – Raced wide for the majority of the race. Jumped inwards at the start bumping with MIDAS STAR.  
 
JUNGLE JUICE – Raced wide for the majority of the race. 
 
EXOLENT CHOICE – Laid in for a short distance after the start. Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages. 
 
SAVEE – Held up for clear running entering the home until near the 150 metres.   
 

Race 6: LADBROKES WINTER CUP OPEN HANDICAP         2000 – Metres

THIRD REALM (GB) – Shifted out at the start bumping heavily with RELEASE LE MISSILE.
 
RELEASE LE MISSILE – Bumped heavily on jumping.
 
THE DRILLER – Bumped on jumping.
 
ACCLIMATISE – Shifted out at the start bumping heavily with REDWOOD SHADOW and was unbalanced.
 
REDWOOD SHADOW (NZ) – Bumped heavily on jumping and shifted out bumping THE DRILLER. 
 
OLYMPIC KORCHNOI (BRZ) – Over-raced in the early stages. Raced three wide without cover for the majority of the race. When questioned regarding her riding tactics on the gelding, and in the presence of riding mentor Mr Carl Spry, apprentice Ms Olivia Kendal explained that her instructions were to lead or race in a forward position. However, after the gelding did not begin as anticipated, she believed that pressing forward would have required using the horse excessively in the early stages, potentially impacting its overall performance.
Stewards acknowledged her explanation but advised Ms Kendal that, in such situations, it is important to remain adaptable and to assess the race dynamics as they unfold.
 
JOE'S GIGGLE – Raced wide in the early stages before improving forward to race outside the leader leaving the 1300 metres.
 
TAMBO'S JUSTICE – Gave ground from the 400 metres and finished well back.
Stewards questioned jockey Ashley Butler regarding the performance of TAMBO’S JUSTICE. In explanation jockey Butler advised that the gelding came off the bridle passing the 600 metres and failed to respond to his riding thereafter, and in his opinion, did not run out the 2,000 metres of today’s event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Jockey Butler returned to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared weight and under the provisions of AR 211(1) was fined $300.00
 
 
Race 7: QUEENSLAND PLASTIC SURGERY LADIES BRACELET FILLIES AND MARES CLASS 6 HANDICAP – 1300 Metres

LE MELODY – Reluctant to proceed to the barriers. Trainer Bill Kenning was advised the mare must trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to being permitted to race again. Slow to begin. Checked when tightened for room near the 600 metres and shifted in tightening LIVEWIRE LASS.
 
READ 'EM AND WEEP – Slow to begin.
 
PIPISTRELLE – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was cleared to start. Blundered shortly after leaving the barriers, resulting in Apprentice McKenzie Apel losing the use of her off-side iron for a short distance. Raced four wide without cover for the majority of the race. Shifted in near the 600 metres tightening LE MELODY which was taken inward into the running of LIVEWIRE LASS which was checked. Apprentice Apel, assisted by Riding Instructor Mr Carl Spry pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the specifics of AR 131(a) in that she permitted PIPISTRELLE to shift in when not clear.
After consideration Apprentice Apel’s license to ride in races was suspended from the close of racing on Saturday 26 July 2025, up to and including racing on Wednesday  6 August 2025. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a bruised bulb of hoof.        

BRAVE AGENDA – Over-raced in the early stages.
 
BRADSHAW – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
LIVEWIRE LASS – Checked near the 600 metres when tightened for room.
 

Race 8: HYGAIN RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP – 1200 Metres

ROARING SUCCESS – Slow to begin. Over-raced in the early stages.
 
BUBBLES'N'FROTH – Raced in restricted room and restrained when disappointed for a run between BRING ME TO LIFE and VAGABOND PRINCE approaching the 200 metres and shifted wider to finish the race off strongly.
 
ZORAYDAH (NZ) – Rider Adam Sewell advised Stewards he was of the opinion ZORAYDAH anticipated the start and lunged forward just prior to the start being officiated and lost ground.    
 
BRING ME TO LIFE (NZ) – Raced wide for the majority. 
 
DESERT MOON – Was treated by the Track Veterinarian upon returning to the tie-up stalls after displaying distress and being in an agitated condition. Co trainer Mr Peter Rowe was advised that a veterinary clearance was required prior to DESERT MOON next racing or trialing. Mr Rowe advised that consideration would be given to the retiring the gelding.  

Race 9: CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT OPEN HANDICAP – 1200 Metres

INCHING CLOSER – Slow to begin.
 
OVERLORD – Began awkwardly throwing its head in the air and shifted in. Raced wide for the majority of the race.  
 
HE'S XCEPTIONAL – The tongue tie became dislodged soon after the start. Over-raced in the early stages.
 
MOLONGLE SURPRISE – Over-raced in the early stages.
 
FAMILY STAR – Raced fiercely in the early and middle stages proving difficult to control. Near the 1,000 metres shifted out bumping HE’S EXCEPTIONAL. Continued to race fiercely and near the 900 metres clipped heels. Shifted in passing the 800 metres and heavily buffeted FINE SHOT for a distance, with FINE SHOT becoming unbalanced and making contact with the inside running rail. Trainer Mr Graham Hughes was advised that a warning had been placed on the gelding’s racing manners.   
 
FINE SHOT – Buffeted for a distance from the 800 metres.
 
 
Race 10:LADBROKES ODD SURGE RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP – 1200 Metres
 
RISKY INVESTMENT – Slow to begin. 
 
FALLGUY – Slow to begin. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
GOLDEN OCTAVIAN – Shifted out at the start forcing runners wider.
 
CHIROGRAPHY (NZ) – Forced wider at the start bumping MADAM BORODINA on the hind quarters.
 
COOL STORY– Began awkwardly and hampered shortly after the start by MADAM BORODINA which shifted out when unbalanced. Raced wide for the majority of the race.

LOOK AT ROSA – Forced wider at the start.
 
MADAM BORODINA – Bumped on the hindquarters soon after start and was unbalanced.
 
INALA ATICUS – Over-raced in the early stages.
 
ENCROACHMENT – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees.

Suspensions
Race 7: Apprentice Meckenzie Apel – [AR 131(a)] - Careless riding – Suspended 27//07/2025 – 6/08/2025 (Inclusive) - 11 Days.
 
Fines
Race 6: Ashley Buttler – AR 211(1) – weighed in overweight - Fined $300.00
 
Reprimands
LR 30(1)(B) - Trainers Representative Zac McFarlane – Late arrival on course  

 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
SATISFIED MUGS, ASCONDED WITNESS, THE DRILLER, BUBBLES ‘N’ FROTH, FINE SHOT, MADAM BORODINA.

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
R4: FOREHAND DRIVE – veterinary clearance required.
R7: LE MELODY – Reluctant to proceed to barriers – Must trial
R8:DESERT MOON – veterinary clearance required.
R9: FAMILY STAR – warning placed on racing manners.
 
Bleeders
R1: DUBALENE – Bled both nostrils (first occasion) – 3 month ban + 1000m gallop/trial/jumpout.
R5: COUNTER COMMAND – Bled both nostrils (second occasion) Lifetime ban
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 3, MISSYPIE – Nathan Thomas
Race 9, FAMILY STAR – Ivo Fry  
Race 10, ENROACHMENT – Wanderson D’Avila

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.