QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT
 

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB
 
SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST 2025
 

WEATHER – OVERCAST             TRACK RATING – SOFT (5)RAIL – TRUE             PENETROMETER – 5.50

OFFICIALS
Chairman of Stewards – R. Neal
Stewards – P. Gillard, A. Holzhauser, P. Lane, K. Dean
 
GENERAL
 
1.         Stewards today conducted an inquiry into Apprentice Mitch Goring accepting rides at both the Atherton and Julia Creek meetings on Saturday 26th of July 2025. After considering all relevant factors Stewards charged Apprentice Goring with a breach of AR127(1). The charge was admitted and a fine of $300.00 was imposed.
 
2.        Permitted overweights:
 
R2: Ashley Butler (NOOSHBAHOOSH) + 0.50kg
R2: Sean Cormack (SUPID DATE) + 0.50kg 
R5: Chris Meehan (PRINCIPESSA) + 1kg
R5: Sean Cormack (FIFTH POSITION) + 1kg
R6: Adam Sewell (YOUR TOO GOOD) + 0.50kg
R6: Sean Cormack (LADY DAMUS) + 1kg
 

RACE 1: STORM SIGNAGE MAIDEN PLATE 1200 – Metres

The start of this race was delayed when COOL MACAW broke through the barriers and was declared a late scratching at 12.41pm.
 
GERALDINE'S WISH – Underwent a veterinary examination on arrival at the barriers and found to be lame in the off-front leg, and was resultantly declared a late scratching at 12.39pm. Co-Trainer Mr. Trevor Rowe was advised a veterinary clearance will be required prior to GERALDINE'S WISH next trialing or racing.
Stewards ordered that all wagers on GERALDINE'S WISH be refunded and that all successful wagers placed with bookmakers prior to 12:39pm be subject to the following deductions in the dollar on the face value of the ticket.
1st HOLD MY HALO - $0.10 cents win and $0.18 cents place
2nd SPRINGS GIFT - $0.24 cents place
3rd LECONFIELD - $0.04 cents place
 
 
COOL MACAW – Broke through the barriers prior to the start and galloped an excessive distance before being recaptured. COOL MACAW was resultantly declared at a late scratching at 12.41pm. Jockey Ivo Fry was uninjured. Trainer Mr. Stephen Bush was advised a warning will be placed on the gelding’s barrier manners.
Stewards ordered that all wagers on COOL MACAW be refunded and that all successful wagers placed with bookmakers prior to 12:41pm be subject to the following deductions in the dollar on the face value of the ticket.
1st HOLD MY HALO - $0.00 cents win and $0.05 cents place
2nd SPRINGS GIFT - $0.07 cents place
3rd LECONFIELD - $0.01 cents place
 
 
LECONFIELD – Bounded in the air as the start and lost ground, settling well back.
 
RAPID POWER – Began awkwardly and slow into stride.
 
ARTURETTA – Raced keenly in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
LETHALLY STELLA – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
ARIK LAD – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
MISS COMANECI – Shifted in under pressure near the 80 metres bumping ECHELON MAGIC.
 
ECHELON MAGIC – Was bumped near the 80 metres.
 
 
RACE 2: SELECT EVENT QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP – 1000 Metres
 
The start of this race was delayed when VEGAMEISTER having to have blinkers applied.
 
VEGAMEISTER – Delayed the start after being presented at the inspection area without its allocated gear (blinkers). Trainer Ms. Georgia Holt was fined $100.00 pursuant to AR 206(3). Held up for a short distance approaching the 400 meters.
 
RAFF VADER – Bounded in the air as the start and lost ground. Raced greenly when placed under pressure passing the 250 metres.
 
SUPID DATE – Slow to begin.
 
KRACKACAN – Shifted in at the start bumping WHATA MISSION. Raced wide without cover for the majority.
 
WHATTA MISSION – Bumped on jumping.
 
GOLD CLASSIC – Shifted out at the start hampering TARONG. Raced wide for the majority. Raced greenly under pressure for a short distance near the 80 metres.
 
TARONG – Hampered at the start. Raced wide with cover for the majority.
 
 
RACE 3: THE VILLE RESORT BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP – 1000 Metres

GAMADALE NIP – Presented at the inspection area without its allocated gear (tongue tie). Trainer Mr. Alex Malliff was fined the sum of $100.00 pursuant to AR 206(3).
 
KIDSTON – Slow to begin. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
GREY POWER – Slow to begin.
 
DIAMOND LUCY -Slow to begin. Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
JUNGLE JUICE – Laid in in the early stages.
 
EXOLENT CHOICE – Raced three wide for the majority without cover. When questioned into the run of EXOLENT CHOICE Apprentice Mitch Goring advised that while the gelding had travelled well in the running, it had failed to respond to his riding when put under pressure and was disappointing. Trainer Ms. Shryn Royes advised that it was her intention to freshen EXOLENT CHOICE prior to it next racing.
 
RACE 4: MM ELECTRICAL RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP – 1609 Metres
 
TRIGGERIFIC – Slow to begin.
 
RAFFY'S GIRL – Slow to begin. Commenced to race very keenly near the 1300 metres, and when being restrained jockey Isabella Teh’s saddle shifting forward placing her at a disadvantage and resulting in her being unable to fully restrain the mare off heels near the 1,200 metres, with RAFFY’S GIRL shifting ground outward at this point, forcing IRISH MIST wider for a distance; Continued to over race for some distance. Forced wider leaving the 1000 metres.
 
IRISH MIST – Slow into stride. Forced wide near the 1200 metres.
A post-race veterinary examination of IRISH MIST identified the presence of blood in both nostrils, and was declared to have bled by the On-track Veterinarian. Resultantly, IRISH MIST 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.
Trainer Mr. Troy Clive advised Stewards consideration will be given that the mare be retired from racing.
 
KEEP ON RUNNING – Over raced in the early stages.
 
SMART MISSION – Raced wide in the early stages until improving forward to the lead leaving the 1200 metres then over raced for a short distance.
 
SIMPLY DIVINE –Improved onto heels near the 1,000 metres when over-racing after the tempo steadied. This resulting SIMPLY DIVINE shifting out despite the riders efforts and forcing LIVEWIRE LASS and RAFFYS GIRL over extra ground for a short distance. After questioning riders and viewing the incident stewards were satisfied that the incident was primarily outside the control of any rider.
 
LIVEWIRE LASS – Forced wide leaving the 1000 metres.
 
RACE 5: LADBROKES OPEN HANDICAP – 1609 Metres

SOLAR APEX – Very slow to jump away and settled well back. Given the gelding previously clear record connections were advised a warning only will be placed on the geldings barrier manners.
 
CONVENER (FR) – Slow to begin.
 
MR MAESTRO (NZ) – Over raced in the early and middle stages. Stewards noted jockey Ryan Wiggins exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100 metres (+ three) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use no further action was taken.
 
THIRD REALM (GB) – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
DILLINGER – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
FIFTH POSITION (IRE) – Held up for a short distance passing the 500 metres.
 
THE DRILLER – Laid out throughout the final straight and finished the race wide on the track.
 
After the running of race 5 the track was upgraded to a Good (4).
 
RACE 6: EQUUS PERFORMANCE LIGHTNING OPEN HANDICAP – 1000 Metres
 
BOOMING LAD – Was a late scratching at 8:13am after sustaining an injury when being loaded on to transport to attend today’s meeting. Trainer Ms. Tracy Simmons undertook to furnish a veterinary certificate to the Stewards.
 
YOUR TOO GOOD – Slow to begin.
 
MOLONGLE SURPRISE – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
NORTHERN EXPRESS – Raced wide for the majority.
 
VIBURNUM – Raced wide for the majority.
 
JEMELDI – Raced wide without cover for the majority.
 
LADY DAMUS – Held up for clear running from the 300 metres until approaching the 100 metres.
 
OVERLORD – Laid in under pressure in the home straight proving difficult to ride.
 
HEAD HONCHO – Slow in the early stages. Stewards spoke with jockey Lacey Morrison regarding the tactics adopted on HEAD HONCHO in the event.
In explanation, Ms. Morrison stated that her instructions were to ride the gelding with cover if circumstances permitted. Ms. Morrison then stated that after settling near the rear of the field, she attempted to improve her position passing the 600 metres, however, as the runners ahead were making little ground, she was unable to do so. Ms. Morrison further explained that upon entering the final straight, she encountered difficulty securing a clear run and was required to restrain HEAD HONCHO on two occasions when runs ahead closed. She concluded by stating that having to restrain the gelding twice was not conducive to its racing style. Ms Morrison’s explanation was noted.
 
 
RACE 7: CHRYSALIS MEDISPA BELLE OF THE BURDEKIN FILLIES AND MARES BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP – 1400 Metres

BRAVE MASO – Apprentice Ms. Leah Martyn was harmlessly dislodged behind the barriers.
 
DEVIL KICK – Slow into stride.
 
LOWLANDS – Shifted in on jumping inconveniencing BABY GUINNESS.
 
BABY GUINNESS – Slow into stride and shortly after the start was inconvenienced by LOWLANDS which shifted in.
 
READ 'EM AND WEEP – Slow to begin and shortly after the start was inconvenienced by BABY GUINNESS which shifted in.
 
SANBANO – Raced wide for the majority without cover.
 
BERNICE'S SPIRIT – Raced wide for the majority. Jockey Graham Kliese was reminded of his obligations with respect to the use of his whip on a horse not in contention.
 
TEQUILA DANCER – Raced wide for the majority.
 
LADY MASQUERADE – Over raced in middle stages.
 
AL RAS BLUES – Was held up for clear running passing the 500 metres until near the 100 metres.
 
ATTENTIVE – Was held up in the early part of the straight and when improving into a narrow run passing the 200 metres was buffeted for several strides.
 
IMAGINE THAT – Attended by the On-track Veterinarian after becoming cast and sustaining an injury to its offside thigh following it being loaded onto the horse transport to return to its training facility. The mare will require a veterinary certificate prior to its next trial or race start.
 
RACE 8: HIGGINS COATINGS BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP – 1200 Metres

PENNYPACKER – Slow to begin. Restrained off heels near the 1000 metres and again near the 600 metres when over racing. Inclined to lay in passing the 400 metres and leaving the 200 metres had to be taken wider to continue to improve.
 
KHALS – Slow to begin.
 
LEAN EAGLE – Slow to begin. Bumped on the hind quarters approaching the 100 metres.
 
GALBALAN – Skied its head when over racing near the 900 metres.
 
THE BRILL BUILDING – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
TRAPASSI – Laid out under pressure leaving the 300 metres bumping with ARCTIC BEAR on two occasions and continued to shift out inconveniencing ARCTIC BEAR soon after. Jockey W. D’Avilla was advised to show greater care in similar circumstances.
 
ARCTIC BEAR – Raced three wide without cover for the majority of the race. Bumped near the 300 metres on two occasions.
 
SUPER FREEZE – Shifted out under pressure approaching the 100 metres making heavy contact with TALONS which in turn shifted out bumping LEAN EAGLE on the hind quarters.
 
TALONS – Bumped heavily approaching the 100 metres.
 
A post-race veterinary examination of TALONS identified the presence of blood in both nostrils and was declared to have bled by the On-track Veterinarian. Resultantly TALONS 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.
 
CHARTWELL – Had difficulty obtaining a clear run entering the home straight and had a tendency to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
ROOM FOR SQUARES – Had difficulty obtaining a clear run early down the straight and near the 150 metres had to steady and shift ground inward to continue to improve.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Fines  
 
26 July 2025, Apprentice Mitch Goring – [AR 127] Failure to fulfill engagement, Fined $300.00
 
Race 2, Trainer Georgia Holt – AR 206(3) Presented horse without correct gear, Fined $100.00
Race 3, Trainer Alex Malliff – AR 206(3) Presented horse without correct gear, Fined $100.00
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
SUPID DATE, HARTSHORN, MR MAESTRO, NORTHERN EXPRESS, JEMELDI and ATTENTIVE.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1, GERALDINE’S WISH – Vet certificate required.
Race 1, COOL MACAW – Warning, Barrier manners.
Race 5, SOLAR APEX – Warning, Stood flat footed.
Race 7, IMAGINE THAT – Vet certificate required.
 
Bleeders
IRISH MIST – Both nostrils first occasion – 3 month ban + 1000m gallop/trial/jumpout. AR 79(4)
TALONS – Both nostrils first occasion – 3 month ban + 1000m gallop/trial/jumpout. AR 79(4)
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 5, CONVENER – App Gabriella Semmens
Race 7, BABY GUINNESS – App Gabriella Semmens
Race 8, STARHATTAN – Chris Meehan
Race 8, THE BRILL BUILDING – Ashley Butler  
 
Late scratchings
Race 1,GERALDINE’S WISH – 12:39pm Scratched on vets advice.
Race 1, COOL MACAW – 12:41pm Scratched on stewards advice.
Race 6, BOOMING LAD – 8:13am Scratched on vets 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.