QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB

THURSDAY MARCH 5, 2026
 

WEATHER –Overcast
TRACK RATING –Soft 5
RAIL – +1m Entire Course
PENETROMETER – 5.85

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R. Neal
Stewards – P Gillard; D Griffiths; S Nosworthy; S Copelin
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
TOWNSVILLE Turf Club - Friday 27th February 2026
Race 6 - Great Northern Brewing Co OPEN Handicap (1300 METRES)
 
Rider Frank Edwards (HOPEFUL) was reprimanded under the provisions of AR 211(1) in that he weighed in in excess of 0.5 kg over his declared weight.  
 
Race 8 - Ladbrokes Same Race Multi BM72 Handicap (1000 METRES)
 
Trainer Tom Button confirmed that SUPER FREEZE will now be spelled following its two recent disappointing runs.

GENERAL
 
 
1.    Workplace drug testing was carried out at today’s meeting.
 
2.    Stewards permitted the following overweights:
 
Race 1. Sean Cormack (FELIPITY) +1.0kg
Race 5. Amanda Thomson (AIN’T NOBODY) +0.5kg
Race 6. Adam Sewell (JOURNALISM) +0.5kg
Race 6. Amanda Thomson (STRATHCONA) +0.5kg
Race 6. Shane McGovern (REFORMIST) +1.0kg
 
3.    Rider Wanderson D’Avila was injured at trackwork on Wednesday 4th March 2026 and was replaced on all accepted rides prior to scratching time. Rider D’Avila will require a medical clearance prior to riding again.
 
 
Race 1: WRC TICKETS ON SALE NOW QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD Handicap 1200M
 
Stewards inquired into the circumstances surrounding the scratching of SCARLENA and GONE COUNTRY, both trained by Ms. Georgie Holt, from Race 1, which resulted in the field for this race being reduced to two runners.
Ms. Holt advised that her original intention had been to start SCARLENA and GONE COUNTRY at the Townsville meeting on 19th February, before giving them a break from the meeting conducted on 27 February, and then start them again at today’s meeting. However, when the 19th February meeting was abandoned, those plans were altered. Ms. Holt explained that she subsequently elected to start both horses at the 27th February meeting and back them up today.
Ms. Holt then stated that after giving each horse every opportunity to recover she was not satisfied they were suitable to compete, Ms Holt reporting that both SCARLENA and GONE COUNTRY had worked poorly on Wednesday morning prior to the race meeting and were displaying signs of soreness. Resultantly she elected to withdraw the horses from the race. Ms Holt added that consideration had also been given to the fact that both horses are two-year-olds.
Immediately following the withdrawals on Wednesday morning, Stewards directed that SCARLENA and GONE COUNTRY be examined by the QRIC Veterinarian. The outcome reported by the Veterinarian was that SCARLENA displayed no obvious abnormalities at the time of inspection, whilst GONE COUNTRY was found to be exhibiting lameness.
Whilst noting the veterinary findings in relation to GONE COUNTRY, Stewards nonetheless advised Ms.Holt that circumstances such as this, where multiple runners from the same stable are withdrawn resulting in a race field being reduced to only two starters, presents an undesirable outcome for the industry and has the potential to adversely impact public confidence in racing. Additionally, Ms. Holt was reminded of both, the importance of trainers ensuring, where possible, that horses accepted for races can fulfil those engagements, and the suitability of backing horses up within short timeframes, particularly with two-year-olds.
 
Stewards also spoke with trainer Tom Button regarding his decision to withdraw OCTOPOLIS, which had also been an acceptor for the race.
Mr Button explained that when accepting for the race he had done so in anticipation that the unbeaten BETTER BLITZEM, trained by Ms. Holt, may not start after racing the previous week. However, when final fields were declared and BETTER BLITZEM remained in the race, along with Ms. Holt’s other runners SCARLENA and GONE COUNTRY, he elected to withdraw OCTOPOLIS as he did not believe his runner could defeat those horses, and at best he would be running for 4th prizemoney. Mr Button added that his decision to withdraw OCTOPOLIS was also influenced by there being a more suitable race scheduled for the Cairns meeting on Monday next which was restricted to maiden horses.
 
No racing incidents to report.
 
RACE 2: HYGAIN Maiden Handicap 1400M

COVENTRY LANE – Held up for a short distance near the 350 metres; Shifted wider nearing the 250 metres to continue to improve. When questioned regarding the run of COVENTRY LANE, rider Aidan Holt stated that after having some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the home straight, the gelding then finished off the race fairly and in his opinion would better suited to a longer distance.
 
ROTH AUTHORITY – Slow to begin.
 
IMPALER – Raced wide without cover throughout. Gave ground over the concluding stages. Rider Lacey Morrison reported at scale that IMPALER gave limited response when placed under pressure and elected not to persevere with her riding in the final straight given that in her opinion, the gelding did not feel entirely comfortable in its action. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings.
 
MR SUGAR DADDY – Trainer Gareth Smith was reprimanded under the provisions of AR 106(1) for presenting MR SUGAR DADDY to race without a tongue tie, which was part of its declared gear. Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Briefly held up rounding the home turn. 
 
I SWIM I WIN (NZ) – Slow into stride.
 
SHADYVALE AL – Lost its near-side hind plate in running.
 
STELLAR LEGEND – Began awkwardly. Shifted in approaching the 1000 metres contacting the running rail.
 
CALAMARIS (NZ) – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination upon arrival at the barriers and was declared a late scratching on 1:44pm on veterinary advice. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on CALAMARIS be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st MR SUGAR DADDY 0c win, 1c place
2nd STELLAR LEGEND 1c place
3rd KAMERZELL HOUSE 4c place
 
Trainer Troy Clive was advised that CALAMARIS (NZ) must provide a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
 
RACE 3: MITAVITE QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD Maiden Plate 1000M
 
MISS THE MUSIC – Began awkwardly then bumped shortly after. Raced wide with cover throughout. Lost its off-hind plate in running.
 
MOONYA LAD – Shifted out on jumping bumping ONLY CRUNCHIE.
 
ONLY CRUNCHIE – Bumped on jumping. 
 
STANDARD GLADIATOR – Began awkwardly then shifted out bumping AMBER AFFAIR. When questioned regarding the improved performance, Trainer Steven Royes stated that the gelding raced extremely wide last start on Friday 29th February, with the instructions today for STANDARD GLADIATOR to be ridden forward if circumstances permitted. Trainer Royes added that in his opinion the gelding benefitted from the addition of blinkers along with the 2.0kg claim from apprentice Gabrielle Semmens.
 
TIME POWER – Raced wide with cover throughout. When questioned regarding the run of TIME POWER, rider Ryan Wiggins stated that the colt would derive benefit from today’s first up performance and in his opinion would be better suited over a longer distance.
 
AMBER AFFAIR – Bumped on jumping.
 
BOOM BUNNY – Shifted out on jumping bumping MISS THE MUSIC. Hung out throughout. Made the final turn awkwardly.
 
OMNIPRESENT – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
SHEZA BARBAROSSA – Reared when behind the barriers harmlessly dislodging rider Lacey Morrison. Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was passed fit to race. Began very awkwardly. Raced ungenerously in the early stages. Rider Lacey Morrison reported that the filly did not feel entirely comfortable in its action over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a superficial abrasion to the off-side front fetlock which was treated by the on-course veterinarian.
 
VALADORE – Rider Ivo Fry was reminded of his obligations to ensure he rides mounts out fully to the line when circumstances permit.
 
VAN DER WOODSEN – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Raced wide throughout. Apprentice rider Olivia Kendal reported at scale that her saddle shifted back early in the race placing her at a disadvantage throughout..
 
WANTS TO TANGO – Slow to begin. Laid out rounding the final turn.

 
RACE 4: LADBROKES SAME RACE MULTI BENCHMARK 65 Handicap 1000M
 
PRETTY SLICK – Shortly after the start, shifted out bumping with MAXIMUM POWER, which was taken out onto TALONS, which was inconvenienced. Lay in marginally near the 500 metres. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
MAXIMUM POWER – Taken out shortly after the start inconveniencing TALONS. Restrained off heels passing the 600 metres.
 
LA PETITE MAISON – Approaching the 500 metres, was checked after being crowded and shifted in tightening TOW THE LINE.
 
KITEMA – Raced wide throughout. Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages. Restrained away from the heels of PRETTY SLICK and shifted in crowding runners to its inside.
 
TALONS – Inconvenienced shortly after the start. Raced wide throughout.
 
TOW THE LINE – Tightened and had to be firmly restrained leaving the 500 metres. After questioning all riders concerned and reviewing vision of the incident, it was found that approaching the 500 metres KITEMA which was racing to the inside of PRETTY SLICK had shifted in marginally and bumped with LE PETITE MAISON which in turn was taken inward and onto TOW THE LINE which was tightened. Given all circumstances it could be determined that any one rider was at fault and no further action was taken.
 
 
RACE 5: LADBROKES PUNTER ASSIST BENCHMARK 60 Handicap 1400M
 
KEEP ON RUNNING – Shifted out on jumping crowding on ULTIMATE. Over-raced in the early and middle stages.
 
PROMINENT LAD – Was determined a late scratching at 12:05PM after a veterinary examination upon arrival on course found the gelding to be lame in the off-fore leg. Trainer Georgie Holt was advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to PROMINENT LAD racing again.
 
ALABAMA MOONLIGHT – Over-raced in the early stages when being restrained.
 
BETTA AL – Shifted in on jumping crowding TO LOVE SOMEBODY.
 
KOBAYASTAR – Held up rounding the home turn before obtaining clear running nearing the 200 metres.
 
UNIFIES – Lost its near-front plate when behind the barriers which was unable to be replated and as such the off-front plate was removed.
 
ULTIMATE – Crowded on jumping. Shifted wider to improve leaving the 800 metres and raced wide without cover for the remainder.
 
TO LOVE SOMEBODY – Crowded on jumping.
 
 
RACE 6: GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO Open Handicap 1400M
 
HOPEFUL (FR) – Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
BEAU RAIN – Began awkwardly then shifted out on jumping bumping with STATS. Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages. Stewards questioned rider Lacey Morrison regarding her riding of BEAU RAIN which was unplaced. In explanation Ms. Morrison stated that after getting back at the start she had elected to slot into a position rather than be obliged to race wide. Ms. Morrison then stated that given the gelding had previously shown a reluctance to race through the field she had elected to make her finishing run wider on the track, which she believed best suited the gelding. Ms. Morrison concluded by stating that when placed under pressure in the final straight BEAU RAIN, notwithstanding it had made ground late in the race, had not responded and not shown the acceleration as it had on previous occasions, had changed stride passing the 150 metres, and in her opinion, had not backed up from racing six days prior. Ms. Morrisons comments were noted.
 
STATS – Slow to begin then shifted in bumping with BEAU RAIN. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
SWEET KISSES – Got its head in the air nearing the 1000 metres when being restrained.
 
TYCOON BEAU – Held for clear running in the early part of the home straight.
 
JOURNALISM – Slow to begin.
 
STRATHCONA – Put its head down as the start was affected and lost ground. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
FROM THIS MOMENT – Over-raced in the early stages when leading. Laid out under pressure in the early part of the home straight.
 
REFORMIST – Over-raced in the early stages. Rider Shane McGovern was reprimanded under the provisions of AR 132(6)(a) for the use of his whip forward of the horse’s shoulder.
 
 
RACE 7: LADBROKES FORM GENIUS BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1200M
 
TYMON – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Began very awkwardly and lost ground. Contacted the running rail near the 1000 metres; Had to be heavily restrained near the 900 metres.  
 
SILVER CITY – Contacted on jumping. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
ELLIS BEACH – Held up from a distance leaving the 500 metres then again from the 150 metres and was unable to be tested by its rider over the concluding stages.
 
TIPPED OFF – Raced wide with cover throughout. Shifted in under pressure approaching the post bumping with WAR COUNCIL on two occasions. Rider Amanda Thomson was firmly reminded of her obligations to straighten her mounts when racing in similar circumstances.
 
ASPEN COWBOY – Lost its off-fore plate during the running.
 
NOSEY NEO – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
SONECHKA – Slow to begin.
 
WAR COUNCIL – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
REMLAP KAVA – Slow to begin then shifted in contacting the hind-quarters of SILVER CITY. 
 
BUBBLES’N’FROTH – Raced keenly in the early stages. Improved on to heels nearing the 900 metres and when being restrained, came back onto THIRD MASTER, which in turn, when also being steadied, came back onto TYMON, which was heavily restrained in consequence.  
 
THIRD MASTER – Raced keenly in the middle stages. Had to be steadied leaving the 900 metres away from the heels of BUBBLES’N’FROTH. Held up for clear running rounding the home turn up a point passing the 200 metres. A post-race veterinary examination revealed superficial lesions to the off foreleg.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands:
Race 6 (29/2). Rider Frank Edwards – AR 211(1) – Weighed in overweight.
Race 2. Trainer Gareth Smith – AR 106(1) – Presenting horse to race with the incorrect gear.
Race 6. Rider Shane McGovern – AR 132(6)(a) – Use of the whip forward of the horse’s shoulder.
 
Fines:
Nil
 
Suspensions:
Nil
 
Race day injuries/illness:
Rider Wanderson D’Avila – Injured at trackwork – Medical clearance required.
 
Absent jockeys:
Nil
 
Adjourned inquiries:
Nil
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
I SWIM I WIN (NZ), STELLAR LEGEND, KITEMA, NO LOVE LOST, BEAU RAIN, ELLIS BEACH.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars:
Race 2. CALAMARIS (NZ) – Late scratching on veterinary advice – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 5. PROMINENT LAD – Lame off-front – Veterinary clearance required.
 
Bleeders
Nil
 
Falls
Nil
 
Protests
Nil
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Nil
 
Late scratchings
Race 2. No 10. CALAMARIS (NZ) – 1:44pm – Veterinary advice
Race 5. No 2. PROMINENT LAD – 12:05pm – Veterinary 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.