QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT
 

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB

SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2025
 

WEATHER –Fine
TRACK RATING –Soft 5
RAIL – +4.5m 1000M-W/Post, +2m Remainder
PENETROMETER – 5.78

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R. Neal
Stewards – P. Warren, S. Nosworthy, C. Bew
 

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS
 
1.    ATHERTON CANTERBURY RACING – Saturday 17th January 2026.
Race 5: Malanda Big Pub Open Handicap – 1000M
 
Stewards reviewed the use of the whip by Rider Michael McDonald (INCHING CLOSER) in the home straight after it appeared the whip may have been applied in excess of the permitted number prior to the 100 metres. Upon further review of the available replays, Stewards were satisfied that while the whip was applied on occasions within the permitted guidelines, a number of the movements that gave rise to concern involved the whip being flourished, with no discernible evidence of contact being made with the horse.
 
2.    TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB – Friday 16th January 2026
Race 8: Great Northern Brewing Co Benchmark 62 Handicap – 1400M
 
Rider Jason Babarovich (ROOM FOR SQUARES) reported that subsequent to the race meeting sought medical intervention for an injury sustained to his right ankle when leaving the barriers, with this revealing a broken left finger. Rider Babarovich was advised that he would require a medical clearance prior to riding again.
 
 
3.    TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB – Friday 16th January 2026
Race 6Mitavite Class 3 Handicap           1200 M
Subsequent to the all-clear being declared and following the conclusion of the race meeting, Stewards identified an error in the Judge’s placings whereby BRAVE INTENT, BIG DEMEANOR and SUPER TWENTY THREE were incorrectly placed in positions 5th to 8th. Acting pursuant to AR214(4)(b), Stewards corrected the placings. No dividend-bearing position was affected. The Judge was reminded of her obligations to ensure that all runners are placed correctly.
 
 
GENERAL
 
1.    Stewards permitted the following overweights:
            Race 6. TUCK (Shane McGovern) - +1.0kg  
 
2.    Rider Ashley Butler, who was stood down from engagements at Emerald on Friday, 23 January 2025, was declared unfit to fulfil his engagements by QAS Medical Personnel and was replaced as detailed in the race day summary. Rider Butler was advised that he would require the appropriate medical clearances prior to next riding.
 
 
Race 1: LADBROKES PUNTERS ASSIST QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD Maiden Plate 1200M

AIRWAVES – Unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the home straight.
 
NOTFORTHEMONEY – Jackson Murphy replaced Ashley Butler. Laid out entering the first turn and shortly after was placed in restricted room to the inside of GIRLS GOT ATTITUDE which when improving forward, laid in. NOTFORTHEMONEY was then restrained and when doing so, got its head up and raced ungenerously for a distance in the middle stages.
 
READY AND BETTA – READY AND BETTA was declared a late scratching at 11:54am after refusing to load into the barriers.  Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on READY AND BETTA be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st - LADY WILLPOWER $0.0c win, $0.00c place
2nd - GIRLS GOT ATTITUDE $0.03c place
3rd - NEXT STOP JUPITER $0.01c place
 
Trainer Lachlan Manzelmann was advised that READY AND BETTA must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.
 
GIRLS GOT ATTITUDE – Proved difficult to load. Trainer Lachlan Manzelmann was advised a warning would be placed on the filly’s barrier manners. Laid in rounding the first turn briefly crowding NOTFORTHEMONEY. Commenced to over-race in the middle stages.
 
JOT GIRL – Slow to begin.
 
MISS KIYOSHI – Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
NEXT STOP JUPITER – Raced ungenerously in the early stages.
 
MISS THE MUSIC – Jumped out at the start contacting the hindquarters of NEXT STOP JUPITER. Hampered approaching the 700 metres when HIGH SOBRIETY ran wide.

HIGH SOBRIETY – Improved onto heels approaching the 1000 metres and had to be heavily restrained. After improving onto heels, commenced to over-race and near the 700 metres, and had to steady away from the heels of NOTFORTHEMONEY when that gelding was being restrained; improved onto heels near the 450 metres and ran wide hampering MISS THE MUSIC.  Apprentice Fiona Sandkuhl was shown vision of this incident for developmental purposes.
 
 
Race 2: THE VICTORY BAR & GRILL BENCHMARK 65 Handicap 2000M

MOOLOOLABA (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Raced wide rounding the first turn before being ridden forward to lead.
 
GARINION RIGH – Shifted wider to improve passing the 500 metres. Inclined to race greenly in the final straight.
 
KHAMIS – Briefly held up rounding the home turn.
 
TORQUE ESPAGNA – Slow to begin.
 
STAR CHANCE – Raced greenly over the final 250 metres.
 
 
Race 3: TOP SHELF Maiden Plate 1300M
 
HERE’S MASON – When questioned regarding the performance of HERE’S MASON, which finished well back, rider Ryan Wiggins could offer no tangible excuse.
 
MARCH MADNESS – Held up rounding the final turn and only obtained clear running passing the 200 metres. 
 
OHH ERROL – Had some difficulty obtaining clear running leaving the 250 metres.
 
THE GENERAL TALKS – Got back from a wide barrier.
 
MR SUGAR DADDY – Began only fairly. Held up rounding the final turn.

RED CITY SUN – Slow to begin.
 
MISSISSIPPI DREAM (NZ) – Began awkwardly. Held up rounding the final turn.
 
ROCK ON ANGEL – Raced keenly rounding the first turn.
 
VOLARE – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
MISSIN’ DE QUO – Raced wide throughout.
 
STELLAR LEGEND – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
 
Race 4: THE TOWNSVILLE MENDI BLACKHAWKS BENCHMARK 65 Handicap 1400M
 
REFORMIST –The gelding was presented without its declared nose roll. As a replacement could not be sourced, Stewards permitted the gelding to race without the equipment. Trainer Kim McGovern was reprimanded pursuant to AR106(1).Raced keenly in the early stages. Had some difficulty obtaining clear running throughout the final straight.
 
NIPPA’S NIGHTCAP – Held up rounding the final turn and when obtaining clear running passing the 200 metres, was inclined to shift in under pressure.
 
BRASCO – Got back from a wide barrier.
 
BUFFET BUSTER – Lost its off-hind plate during the event. Inclined to over-race in the lead when pressured by FLASHBANG.
 
TRAPEZE PLEASURE – Got back from a wide barrier.
 
FLASHBANG – Raced very keenly in the early stages proving difficult to restrain.
 
CHAPPARAL CHASE – Raced wide throughout.
 
Following the event, rider Michael McDonald was attended to by on-course QAS medical personnel after suffering from the effects of dehydration. Rider McDonald was stood down from his remaining engagements and was replaced as per the Race Day Summary. Rider McDonald was advised that he would require a medical clearance prior to riding again.
 
 
Race 5: MITAVITE BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1000M
 
TYMON – Reared at the start and lost momentum, settling well back. Trainer Matthew McGuire was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s barrier manners.
 
ISHOTTHEDEPUTY – Shifted wider leaving the 400 metres in an attempt to improve.
 
THIRTEEN UNDER – Began very awkwardly and slow to begin.
 
ADAJ – Began awkwardly. Raced wide throughout.
 
STATESWOMAN – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
 
Race 6: BOOTZ SPORTSBAR LEGEND STEVE SMITH BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1000M

ILZOOMYA – Chris Whiteley replaced Michael McDonald. Raced wide throughout.
 
PARCH – Raced wide throughout.
 
SUPER TWENTY THREE – Got its head up and raced keenly when being restrained to a trail. Became awkwardly placed near the heels of MR DAMAGE nearing the 450 metres and had to be steadied. Held up passing the 350 metres and had difficulty obtaining clear running until leaving the 100 metres.
 
MISSION RIDGE – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
OLD GOLD – Ron Stewart replaced Ashley Butler. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
SPINELESS – Slow into stride however recovered quickly.
 
EGZAKLY – Began awkwardly.
 
VEE EIGHT POWER – Hampered leaving the 600 metres after becoming awkwardly placed inside the heels of MR DAMAGE, which was racing to the inside of GOLD SLUICE. After questioning the respective riders, it was found that when improving forward, GOLD SLUICE shifted inwards into the line of MR DAMAGE which when being steadied, shifted in and away from GOLD SLUICE, resulting in VEE EIGHT POWER being hampered. Given all circumstances, Rider Ashvin Goindasamy (GOLD SLUICE) was reprimanded under the provisions of AR 131(a) and was firmly reminded of his obligations when shifting ground.
 
TUCK – Laid in shortly after leaving the barriers, settling back. Rider Shane McGovern was reprimanded under the provisions of AR 132(6)(c) with respect to the use of the whip on a horse no longer in contention.
 
 
Race 7: THE KIRWAN SPORTS CLUB Class 6 Plate 1000M

PENNYPACKER – Improved onto heels near the 550 metres and when being restrained, got its head in the air and came back onto SATISFIED MUGS which had to be steadied in consequence.
 
SATISFIED MUGS – Connections advised of a change of tactics in that SATISFIED MUGS would attempt to ridden more conservatively from the wide barrier - ridden accordingly. Had to be steadied off the heels of PENNYPACKER leaving the 550 metres.  Held up for clear running passing the 500 metres until near the 150 metres.
 
SATURDAY VIBES – SATURDAY VIBES was declared a late scratching at 3:22pm on veterinary advice after being found to be lame in the off-hind stifle region when being saddled for its race.  Stewards ordered that all bets placed on SATURDAY VIBES be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st CORBUSIER 5c win, 5c place
2nd KAI MONDO 6c place
3rd SATISFIED MUGS 5c place
 
Trainer Stephen Massingham advised Stewards that it was his intention to retire SATURDAY VIBES, however should the gelding be recommissioned in the future, a veterinary clearance would be required.
 
SINGULAR – Lost ground shortly after the start. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
ANSWERING – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn before being taken inward passing the 200 metres to improve.
 
HENRY’S BLADE (NZ) – Lost its near-hind plate during the event.
 
KAI MONDO – Lacey Morrison replaced Michael McDonald. Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
NO LOVE LOST – Bumped shortly after the start by UPSTART LEGEND. Raced wide throughout.
 
HAND GRENADE – Jumped out at the start bumping heavily with UPSTART LEGEND, which in turn shifted out and bumped with NO LOVE LOST. Also affected in this incident was SINGULAR which lost ground.
 
UPSTART LEGEND – Taken out at the start after being bumped heavily by HAND GRENADE. Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
 
Race 8: THE BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB OPEN Handicap 1200M
 
BEAU RAIN – Shifted out on jumping bumping OBLIGATED.
 
OBLIGATED – Bumped at the start.
 
TYCOON BEAU – Held up rounding the home turn.
 
SWEET KISSES – Jumped out at the start making heavy contact with SIR ROCKET, which in turn shifted out and bumped OBLIGATED.
 
JOURNALISM – Slow to begin then bumped shortly after. Outpaced in the early stages.  
 
SIR ROCKET – Shifted out and bumped OBLIGATED at the start after being heavily contacted by SWEET KISSES. Raced keenly throughout.
 
 
Race 9: LEPRECHAUNS KIDS PLAYROOM @ BROTHERS BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1300M
 
SILVER CITY – Began awkwardly and shifted out hampering NAPA VALLEY. Had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the home straight.
 
BIG DEMEANOR – Held up for clear running passing the 500 metres until passing the 200 metres.
 
TOSINSKY – Shifted in on jumping hampering NAPA VALLEY.
 
BITTER SPIRIT – Ryan Wiggins replaced Ashley Butler. Held up for clear running from the 500 metres before shifting wider near the 250 metres to improve.
 
SMASHING ROSIE – Very slow into stride, settling back. 
 
MISHANI PERFECTION – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
NAPA VALLEY – Hampered on jumping.
 
ZOUHOPE – Wanderson D’Avila replaced Michael McDonald. Slow to begin.
 
LOOK AT ROSA – Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 

Summary of action concerning licensees

Suspensions
Nil
 
Fines
Nil
 
Reprimands
Race 4. Trainer Kim McGovern – [AR 106(1)] – Presenting horse to race with incorrect gear.
Race 6. Rider Ashvin Goindasamy – [AR 131(a)] – Shifting ground when not clear.
Race 6. Rider Shane McGovern – [AR 132(6)(c) – Use of the whip when out of contention.
 
Race day injuries/illness:
Rider Jason Babarovich (Townsville 16/1) – Broken finger – Medical clearance required.
Rider Ashley Butler – Stood down from all engagements – Appropriate medical clearances required.
Rider Micheal McDonald – Stood down following Race 4 – Medical clearance required.
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
NOTFORTHEMONEY, STAR CHANCE, SMOKIN REELS, ISHOTTHEDEPUTY, ATALA, SATISFIED MUGS.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1. READY AND BETTA – Refused to load – Must obtain further barrier certificate.
Race 1. GIRLS GOT ATTITUDE – Difficult to load – Warning.
Race 5. TYMON – Reared on jumping losing ground – Warning.
Race 7. SATURDAY VIBES – Lame off-hind stifle – Veterinary clearance required.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1. No 3. NOTFORTHEMONEY – Jackson Murphy replaced Ashley Butler.
Race 6. No 5. OLD GOLD – Ron Stewart replaced Ashley Butler.
Race 9. No 5. BITTER SPIRIT – Ryan Wiggins replaced Ashley Butler.
Race 6. No 1. ILZOOMYA – Chris Whiteley replaced Micheal McDonald.
Race 7. No 9. KAI MONDO – Lacey Morrison replaced Micheal McDonald.
Race 9. No 15. ZOUHOPE – Wanderson D’Avila replaced Micheal McDonald.
 
Late scratchings
Race 1. No 5. READY FOR BETTA – 11:54am – Refused to load.
Race 7. No 4. SATURDAY VIBES – 3:21pm – Lame in the off-hind stifle.
 
 
 
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.