QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB

FRIDAY 8 MAY 2026
 
 

WEATHER –Fine
TRACK RATING –Soft 5
RAIL – +2m 1000m/W.P, +4m Remainder
PENETROMETER – 5.92

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – D. Griffiths
Stewards – P. Gillard, S. Nosworthy, S. Copelin
 
GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted the following overweight’s.
Race 4. Jason Babarovich (SHADYVALE AL) +1.0kg, Adam Sewell (INSTIGATE) +1.0kg, Chris Whiteley (VOLARE) +1.0kg
Race 5. Adam Sewell (HOT COCOA) +0.5kg, Sean Cormack (PENROD) +1.0kg
Race 6. Michael Murphy (ONE SHOT MORE) +0.5kg, Chris Whiteley (OUR FOLLY) +1.0kg
Race 7. Chris Whiteley (LINE OF KINGS) +1.0kg
Race 9. Chris Whiteley (ASTRA STAR) +0.5kg, Tasha Chambers (GOING NUCLEAR) +0.5kg, Lacey Morrison (JOHN JOSEPH) +1.0kg, Adam Sewell (CHARTWELL) +0.5kg
 
Race 1: WENTWORTH ELECTRICAL QTIS Two-Year-Old Maiden Handicap 1000M
 
BOWDENE – Shifted in on jumping tightening SCARLENA. Bumped by WORTHY GEM leaving the 400 metres.

HUGO'S HANGOVER – HUGO'S HANGOVER was declared a late scratching at 12:01pm after refusing to load into the barriers. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on HUGO'S HANGOVER be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st BOWDENE 0c win, 1c place
2nd WORTHY GEM 3c place
3rd BRIGINSHAW 3c place
 
Trainer Krysten Allender was advised that HUGO'S HANGOVER must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.
 
AUCHTERARDER – After undergoing a pre-race veterinary examination, was declared a late scratching at 11:57am on veterinary advice. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on AUCHTERARDER be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st BOWDENE 0c win, 4c place
2nd WORTHY GEM 10c place
3rd BRIGINSHAW 10c place
 
A post-race veterinary revealed AUCHTERARDER to have sustained a small laceration to the nostril region.
 
WORTHY GEM – Shifted out leaving the 400 metres bumping BOWDENE and became unbalanced.   
 
ASTILLA – Began awkwardly and shifted out shortly after. Laid out for most of the race. Took charge of its rider rounding the home turn and shifted to the outside rail taking no competitive part for the remainder of the event. Rider Aidan Holt reported that his mount commenced to hang out in the middle stages and he allowed the filly more rein in an attempt to balance ASTILLA, however ASTILLA, took charge on the home turn and hung out to the outside rail. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities. Trainer Tom Smith was advised that ASTILLA would be required to officially trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to being permitted to race again.
 
HEART OF VIENNA – Shifted out on jumping tightening SCARLENA.
 
SCARLENA – Tightened for room on jumping.
 
CRYPTIC MISTRESS – Shifted in abruptly on jumping, losing ground. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities.
 
 
RACE 2: LADBROKES PUNTER ASSIST QTIS TWO-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP 1000M
 
DEE THREE – Slow to begin. Raced wide in the middle stages.
 
BLOCK THE LEAD – Laid out for most of the race, resulting in rider Ashley Butler losing control of his near-side rein leaving the 400 metres and as a result, BLOCK THE LEAD shifted extremely wide on the track in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities. Trainer Clinton Taylor was advised that BLOCK THE LEAD would be required to officially trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to being permitted to race again. Trainer Taylor undertook to advise Stewards should any relevant matter become apparent in coming days.
 
BOOMING BELIEF – A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be showing signs of shin soreness. Trainer Roy Chillemi stated that BOOMING BELIEF would be sent for an immediate spell, nonetheless, was advised that should circumstances change and the filly starts in coming weeks, a veterinary clearance would be required.
 
OSTUNI – Slow into stride.
 
EVITA LASS – Reluctant to proceed to the barriers. Trainer Graham Hughes was advised a warning would be placed on the fillies’ pre-race manners. Slow to begin.

 
RACE 3: AAA PLAYSCAPES QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP 1400M
 
SMALL TOWN HUSSLER – Over-raced in the early stages.
 
BUSH ETIQUETTE – Slow to begin.
 
KAJETAN – Hung in under pressure in the home straight.
 
ONOMA – Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Held up for clear running rounding the home turn.

WE US 'N' CO – Slow to begin.
 
 
RACE 4: THANK YOU DEPARTMENT OF RACING MAIDEN HANDICAP (QTIS BONUSES 2&3YO ONLY) 1200M
 
RUN RAYMOND RUN – Was declared a late scratching at 1:38pm after dislodging its rider and becoming loose before galloping an excessive distance before being recaptured. Apprentice Olivia Kendal was stood down for the remainder of the meeting suffering from a concussion and was taken to Townsville Hospital for further observations. Rider Kendal was advised that a medical clearance would be required prior to riding again and the mandatory stand down period imposed. Rider replacements were made as per the Stewards race day summary. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on RUN RAYMOND RUN be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st ARANCIA 19c win, 14c place
2nd IT’S SHOWTIME 17c place
3rd SHADYVALE AL 20c place
 
Trainer Matthew McGuire was advised a warning would be placed on RUN RAYMOND RUN’s pre-race manners.
 
IT’S SHOWTIME – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn.
 
MONDAY CLOSE – Fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Raced wide without cover throughout.

NICCO NOTA FIGHTER – Rider Nathan Thomas was harmlessly dislodged in the mounting area. Proved difficult to load. Over-raced in the initial stages. Momentarily held up in the preliminary stages of the home straight.
 
OKAY ZOOMER – Slow into stride. Over-raced in the early stages.
 
SHADYVALE AL – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
VOLARE – Over-raced in the initial stages.
 
 
RACE 5: GALTON SUPPLIES QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP 1000M
 
NOTTINGTON PRINCE – Momentarily held up on entering the home straight.
 
EXCELBOOM – Laid in under pressure in the final straight.  
 
VEGAMEISTER – Began very awkwardly, losing ground.     
 
HOT COCOA – Slow to begin. Over-raced in the middle stages. Briefly held up for clear running rounding the home turn.
 
CHANCE – Slow to begin.
 
PROPERLEIGH – Apprentice Courtney Bellamy replaced Olivia Kendal. Shifted wider to improve leaving the 500 metres.
 
PENROD – Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages. Leaving the 600 metres, had to be checked to avoid the heels of GOLD CLASSIC, which shifted in. Jockey Ivo Fry, the rider of GOLD CLASSIC, pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR 131(a), with the particulars being that leaving the 600 metres, he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of PENROD and as a result of this shift, PENROD had to be checked to avoid heels. In determining penalty, Stewards considered rider Fry’s guilty plea and current riding record along with the terms of QRIC Careless Riding Template. Rider Fry’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 9 days, commencing from the close of racing on Friday the 15th of May 2026 up to and including racing on Sunday the 24th of May 2026. Rider Fry was advised of his right of appeal.

 
RACE 6: NQ ELECTRICAL BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1000M
 
BIGCAT – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
GOT GUMPTION – Bumped on jumping.
 
CIFONELLI – Slow into stride.
 
BAGGAGE HANDLER – Shifted in on jumping, bumping GOT GUMPTION.
 
ISLE ORNSAY – Raced four-wide without cover throughout.
 
ONE SHOT MORE – Rider Michael Murphy was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR 228(b) for unseemly behavior, in particular his comments made to racing officials when requesting a lead to the start, in the mounting yard prior to the running of Race 6. Slow into stride. Held up for clear running and unable to improve leaving the 300 metres up to a point passing the 150 metres. At trainer Cheynee Morrison’s request, a post-race veterinary examination revealed minor bruising to the left hind leg which was treated by the club veterinarian.
 
 
RACE 7: HAPPY BUCKS RYAN MITCHELL RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP 1200M
 
IT'S BEEN A TREK – Bumped on jumping and became unbalanced.
 
THAT'S IT – Tightened for room on jumping. Held up for clear running rounding the home turn.
 
BUBBLES'N'FROTH – Raced fiercely in the early and middle stages.         
 
FONEELEVEN – Shifted out on jumping tightening runners to its outside.

TO LOVE SOMEBODY – Raced wide with cover throughout.          
 
WIRED FOR FUN – Tightened for room on jumping.
 
LOOK AT ROSA – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
LINE OF KINGS – Chris Whiteley replaced Olivia Kendal. Due to no other apprentice being available, Stewards permitted rider C Whiteley to ride +1.0kg over the allotted weight. Slow into stride.
 
 
RACE 8: BRISBANE 2032 OLYMPICS IN TOWNSVILLE BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1400M
 
TALONS – Raced keenly in the preliminary stages. Held up rounding the home turn and had difficulty obtaining clear running in the final straight.
 
TYMON – Raced wide without cover throughout.        
 
READ 'EM AND WEEP – Slow to begin. Over-raced in the initial stages.         
 
LOOMING ONE – Threw its head in the air when being restrained in the early stages.     
 
 
RACE 9: KEY MOTORS AMATEURS TROPHY OPEN HANDICAP 1400M
 
HOPEFUL (FR) – Raced wide without cover throughout. Rider Michael Murphy reported at scale that he did not feel entirely comfortable with the gelding’s action over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination revealed minor lameness in the near side hind leg. Trainer Graham Hughes undertook to advise the Stewards should any further relevant matter become apparent in coming days.

BURRANEER BUOY – Slow to begin. Over-raced in the initial stages. Raced wide with cover throughout
 
ARMOUR FORCE – Restrained off the heels of JOHN JOSEPH leaving the 500 metres.
 
RUSSIAN MINT – Raced very keenly in the preliminary stages.          
 
SWEET KISSES – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
ASTRA STAR – Shifted out on jumping making heavy contact with OUTSMARTED, which lost ground.
 
GOING NUCLEAR – Tasha Chambers replaced Olivia Kendal. Due to no other apprentice being available, Stewards permitted rider  T Chambers to ride +0.5kg over the allotted weight. Over-raced in the early stages. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
OUTSMARTED – Heavily contacted on jumping when ASTRA STAR shifted out, losing ground. Over-raced in the initial stages. Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the home straight.
 
CENTRAL PARK – Slow into stride.
 
CHARTWELL – Slow to begin. Held up for clear running in the initial stages of the home straight.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Reprimands
Race 6. Rider Michael Murphy – Unseemly behavior in the mounting yard – AR 228(b)– Severe Reprimand.
Fines
Nil
Suspensions
Race 5. Rider Ivo Fry – Careless riding – AR 131(a) – 9-day suspension commencing close of racing Friday the 15th of May up to and including racing Sunday the 24th of May.
Race day injuries/illness
Race 4. Apprentice Olivia Kendal – Dislodged and stood down for remainder of meeting – Medical clearance required.
Absent jockeys
Nil
Adjourned inquiries
Nil
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Horses swabbed pre-race
BRIGINSHAW, ASTILLA, TORONAGA, EXCELBOOM, BAGGAGE HANDLER, ASTRA STAR
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
Warnings/bars
Race 1. HUGO'S HANGOVER – Late scratching after refusing to load – Must obtain further barrier certificate
Race 1. ASTILLA – Shifted out to outside rail after taking charge of rider – Must officially trial to satisfaction of Stewards.
Race 2. BLOCK THE LEAD – Laid out for majority and shifted wider on track – Must officially trial to satisfaction of Stewards.
Race 2. BOOMING BELIEF – Veterinary examination revealed signs of shin soreness – Veterinary clearance required if racing within 6-week period.
Race 2. EVITA LASS – Reluctant to proceed to barriers – Warning.
Race 4. RUN RAYMOND RUN – Late scratching after becoming loose – Warning.
Bleeders
Nil
Falls
Nil
Adjourned inquiries
Nil
 
Protests
Nil
 
Summary of rider changes/late notifications
Race 5. No 9. PROPERLEIGH – Courtney Bellamy replaced Olivia Kendal
Race 7. No 11. LINE OF KINGS – Chris Whiteley replaced Olivia Kendal (overweight permitted).
Race 9. No 9. GOING NUCLEAR – Tasha Chambers replaced Olivia Kendal (overweight permitted).
 
Late scratchings
Race 1. No 4. AUCHTERARDER @ 11:57am – Veterinary advice.
Race 1. No 3. HUGO'S HANGOVER @ 12:01pm – Refused to load.
Race 4. No 2. RUN RAYMOND RUN @ 1:38pm – Became loose and ran excessive distance.
 
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.