QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB
 
SUNDAY 25SEPTEMBER 2026
 
 
WEATHER – Overcast
TRACK RATING – Soft 5
RAIL – True Entire Course
PENETROMETER – 5.93

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R Neal
Stewards – P Gillard; D Griffiths; S Nosworthy; and C Bew
 
 
 
 
GENERAL
 
 
1.    Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the nomination and subsequent acceptance of MONDAY CLOSE, trained by Tasha Chambers, for the three-year-old handicap conducted at Townsville on 18 September 2026. Ms Chambers was charged pursuant to AR74(1)(b) in that she declared MONDAY CLOSE as an acceptor for the primary purpose of affecting the number of acceptors in the race. Ms Chambers pleaded not guilty to the charge. In considering the evidence, Stewards noted that while MONDAY CLOSE was the only horse trained by Ms Chambers that she nominated for the race, she had nevertheless also been engaged to ride FAR AND WIDE should the race proceed. After considering the evidence and submissions presented, Stewards were satisfied that the charge had been established to the requisite standard and found that the primary purpose of declaring MONDAY CLOSE as an acceptor was to influence the number of acceptors and thereby ensure the race proceeded. Accordingly, Ms Chambers was found guilty of the charge and fined $500.00
 
2.    Rider Sean Cormack did not attend today’s meeting due to injury and was replaced as outlined in the Stewards Race Day Summary.
 
3.    Stewards permitted the following overweights:
Race 1. Raul Silvera Olivera (SINGAPORE SPICE) +1.0kg
Race 2. Ryan Wiggins (BOOMING BELIEF) +0.5kg
Race 3. Raul Silvera Olivera (WEBS) +1.0kg
Race 6. Denicious Smith (THE KAMIKAZE (NZ)) +1.0kg.
Race 7. Raul Silvera Olivera (TWIN TURBO) +1.0kg
 
4.    Race 7 – Unauthorised Person on Racecourse
 
Immediately prior to the running of Race 7, an elderly overseas visitor attending the race meeting gained unauthorised access to the racecourse from the outside of the track in the vicinity of the 800 metres, walking across the track, taking up a position inside the running rail. The individual was observed on the track shortly before the field passed that location. Stewards were satisfied that the presence of the individual had no bearing on the running of the race.
The individual was spoken to by Stewards immediately following the race and subsequently departed the racecourse. Given the potential safety implications associated with this incident, Stewards will raise the matter with the Townsville Jockey Club, with particular emphasis on reviewing existing racecourse access and security arrangements and identifying appropriate measures to minimise the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.
 
 
 
 
Race 1: TTT BE WATER WISE 365 QTIS Maiden Plate 1609M
 
The start was delayed 2 minutes due to the off-front plate of SINGAPORE SPICE requiring farrier attention at the barriers.
 
AUZANGATE – Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
BLAZING FUTURE – Inclined to over-race in the lead in the early stages.
 
IN THE HOLE TIGER – Slow to begin.
 
POWER CRUISE – Raced wide without cover for the majority.
 
POWERED RIGHT UP – Over-raced in the early stages. Commenced to give ground nearing the 800 metres being distanced from the field. Apprentice Julie Busittin reported at scale that POWERED RIGHT UP had hung out throughout. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no obvious abnormalities. Trainer Mark Cochrane advised Stewards that it would be his intention to retire the gelding nonetheless was advised that should POWERED RIGHT UP be recommissioned then it would be restricted to non-Tab meetings until such time the gelding’s form improves to the requisite standard.
 
ROYAL EDITION – Was dismounted by rider Peta Edwards after being eased down following the finishing of the race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be displaying lameness in the near-foreleg. Trainer Nathan Coves was advised that ROYAL EDITION would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again. Trainer Coves advised Stewards that it would be his intention to retire ROYAL EDITION.
 
PERFECT FAWAZ – Proved difficult to load. Raced wide in the early stages. A post-race examination at the request of the trainer revealed a poor-post race recovery. Trainer Trevor Rowe was advised that PERFECT FAWAZ would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
 
Race 2: WIN NEWS QTIS 3YO MAIDEN PLATE 1200M
 
The start was delayed approximately 4 minutes following WHISPERS OF ZIANN breaking through the front of the gates.
 
BANK INTEREST – Raced wide without cover throughout. Forced very wide nearing the 800 metres as a result of HARRY HOT LAPS hanging out.
 
BETTER OPTION – Had its head turned to the near side when the start was effected, losing ground. Held up for rounding the home turn then became briefly unbalanced for a short distance leaving the 350 metres when attempting to shift to the inside of PRINCESS KNOWITALL to obtain clear running.
 
DIVINE SOUL – Slow to begin then crowded inwards after the start.
 
HARRY HOT LAPS – Shifted in on jumping crowding PRINCESS KNOWITALL. Hung out throughout, proving difficult to ride and leaving the 800 metres, ran wide taking BANK INTEREST very wide on the track. Trainer Terry McGovern was advised that HARRY HOT LAPS would now be required to complete a satisfactory trial prior to racing again.
 
NICCO NOTA FIGHTER – Began awkwardly and shifted in crowding DIVINE SOUL. Raced greenly under pressure in the final straight. Lost its near-hind plate.
 
BOOMING BELIEF – Inclined to over-race in the lead in the early stages.
 
FOXY CHEVAL – Over-raced in the early and middle stages.
 
PRINCESS KNOWITALL – Slow to begin then crowded shortly after.
 
WHISPERS OF ZIANN – Was declared a late scratching by order of the Stewards at 12:41pm after breaking through the front of the barriers and escaping riderless before galloping an excessive distance prior to being recaptured. Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on WHISPERS OF ZIANN be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st BOOMING BELIEF 1c win, 1c place
2nd BETTER OPTION 1c place
3rd NICCO NOTA FIGHTER 1c place
 
After questioning the Starter, Stewards established that DIVINE SOUL, which was drawn in an adjacent barrier to WHISPERS OF ZIANN, became fractious and kicked out, causing WHISPERS OF ZIANN to react and make contact with the front of its barrier, which subsequently opened. Having considered the circumstances, Stewards determined that no further action was warranted.
 
YELLOW CRATE – Trainer Shryn Royes was fined $100.00 under the provisions of AR 106(1) for presenting YELLOW CRATE to race without a tongue tie which was part of its approved gear. Shifted out on jumping, crowding PRINCESS KNOWITALL.
 
 
Race 3: COWBOYS LEAGUES CLUB QTIS MAIDEN HANDICAP 1000M
 
VINCENTVANGEE – Lost its near-hind plate during the event. Crowded for room leaving the 400 metres as a result of DYNAMIC LEGEND shifting out.
 
RUM AND KIRK – Raced wide without cover throughout. Lost its near-hind plate during the event.
 
LEAP OF JOY – Raced wide without cover throughout. Brushed then taken wider leaving the 400 metres.
 
STRETCH THE MONKEY – Slow to begin. Briefly held up leaving the 500 metres.
 
DYNAMIC LEGEND – Began awkwardly then crowded shortly after. Held up for a short distance rounding the home turn. Shifted out leaving the 400 metres, brushing with LEAP OF JOY which in shifted out crowding VINCENTVANGEE. Rider Anthony Allen was advised to exercise greater care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
 
GLOBAL ENERGY – Began awkwardly. Hung out in the early stages. Raced very wide without cover throughout. Lost its near-fore plate during the event.
 
LEUBOOM – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
ARMY GREEN – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after becoming momentarily loose in the tie-up area and was declared fit to race.
 
VAN DER WOODSEN – Began awkwardly and shifted out crowding DYNAMIC LEGEND. Over-raced in the early stages. Raced wide with cover throughout. Inclined to hang out rounding the home turn.
 
 
Race 4: LADBROKES PALLARENDA QTIS 2YO MAIDEN PLATE 1000M
 
BAIRUKU – Began awkwardly. Raced greenly in the early stages. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
DESIGN POWER – Slow to begin.
 
MR STRONG – Bumped on jumping. Raced wide with cover throughout. Laid in under pressure nearing the 200 metres crowding GREY DEVIL, which had to be steadied.
 
ROWEINER’S MAGIC – Raced greenly in the early stages.
 
STRATEGIC GOLD – Shifted out abruptly nearing the 200 metres. Hung out under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
BOOGIE ON BY – Blundered shortly after the start. Had difficulty obtaining clear running near the 250 metres; improved quickly onto the heels of BOB’S KOKOPOP near the 150 metres and shifted out abruptly, crowding SO SUNNY.
 
DENALI – When questioned regarding the filly's performance, which was below market expectations, rider Nathan Thomas stated that DENALI travelled only fairly throughout and failed to respond when placed under pressure. Trainer Scott Cooper advised Stewards that the filly would now be sent for a spell. DENALI received veterinary treatment from the on-course veterinarian prior to returning to its home base.
 
GREY DEVIL – Inclined to hang out throughout the event. Crowded nearing the 200 metres and had to be steadied.
 
SO SUNNY – Shifted in on jumping bumping with MR STRONG. Raced wide with cover throughout. Crowded and had to steady nearing the 150 metres when BOOGIE ON BY shifted out abruptly.
 
WINNIFRED – Raced greenly in the early stages. Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
 
Race 5: RAY WHITE GEANEY KIRKWOOD BM70 HANDICAP 1400M
 
CENTRAL PARK – Slow to begin.
 
READY TIGER – Began awkwardly and shifted in bumping with ROCK THE SUNRISE, which in turn shifted in bumping BRAVE AGENDA. Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Laid in through the early part of the home straight.
 
ROCK THE SUNRISE – Bumped on jumping. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
BRAVE AGENDA – Bumped on jumping.
 
ELLIS BEACH – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
INNOVATES – Raced keenly in the middle stages.
 
DART’S DALY – Raced wide without cover for the majority of the race.
 
 
Race 6: SIGNATURE GLASS & ALUMINIUM HANDICAP 1000M
 
ROWEINER’S DANCE – Shifted out nearing the 600 metres, bumping with HARTSHORN.
 
RUSSIAN MINT – Slow into stride.
 
HARTSHORN – Shifted in on jumping bumping with THE KAMIKAZE (NZ). Bumped approaching the 600 metres.
 
SOWILO SIREN – Trainer Ms. Sharlee Hoffman was reminded of her obligations under LR 67 to ensure she declares a rider by the prescribed time.
 
THE KAMIKAZE (NZ) – Bumped on jumping. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
 
Race 7: MICK HARRIS 50TH BM65 HANDICAP 1609M
 
The start was delayed 1 minute due to the off-front plate of ZEAMISE requiring farrier attention at the barriers.
 
INTRUDER – Over-raced in the early stages. When questioned regarding the performance, apprentice Mitch Goring stated that after racing keenly for a short distance in the early stages, the gelding failed to let down when pressured and was disappointing. Apprentice Goring added that in his opinion INTRUDER may not have suited backing up from racing on Sunday 18 October.
 
NIPPA’S NIGHTCAP – Slow into stride.
 
ASK ME MATE – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
BETA BETTER – Inclined to lay out in the middle stages.
 
BETTA AL – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
TWIN TURBO – Slow into stride.



Race 8: GREAT NORTHERN 0-55 HANDICAP 1200M
 
WISER – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
EXTRA FREE – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn until passing the 100 metres.
 
ELECTROMAGNETIC – Slow to begin.
 
SHE’S A BEAUTY – Began awkwardly. Raced wide in the early stages. Went off stride leaving the 1000 metres, and became unbalanced at that point. Raced ungenerously in the middle stages. Shifted out leaving the 350 metres momentarily hampering TIPPED OFF.
 
TARONG – Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages.
 
TIPPED OFF – Slow into stride. Momentarily hampered leaving the 350 metres.
 
ZIGGY STARCRAFT – Hampered on jumping. Over-raced in the middle stages.
 
LET’S RIDE – Blundered on jumping and shifted out hampering ZIGGY STARCRAFT.
 
CRAICARO – Shifted out on jumping hampering ZIGGY STARCRAFT.
 
 
Race 9: AURA PROPERTY QLD CLASS 5 PLATE 1200M
 
CIFONELLI – Shifted across the heels of SAND ‘N’ POWER leaving the 300 metres to continue to improve.
 
MCLOVIN – Laid out marginally approaching the 1000 metres, clipping the heel of SAND ‘N’ POWER, which was racing forward to its outside.
 
KHUMBILA – Blundered on jumping.
 
RUSSIAN SUMMER – Began awkwardly.
 
SAND ‘N’ POWER – Commenced to race over-race leaving the 900 metres after being contacted by MCLOVIN and shifted wider as a result.
 
DIAMOND LUCY – Began awkwardly, losing ground.
 
INDEFINITE (NZ) – Shifted out on jumping bumping KEEP SAFE. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
KEEP SAFE – Bumped on jumping.
 
KHABALOV – Slow into stride.
 
KICKOFF – Inclined to lay out under pressure in the final straight and had to be straightened by its rider on two occasions.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees
 
Fines
Race 2. Trainer Shryn Royes– presenting a horse with incorrect gear – AR 106(1) – $100.
 
Absent jockeys:
Rider Sean Cormack.
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race.
POWERED RIGHT UP; HARRY HOT LAPS; VINCENTVANGEE; DENALI; HARTSHORN; KHABALOV.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1. POWERED RIGHT UP – Poor performance – Restricted to Non-Tab meetings.
Race 1. ROYAL EDITION – Lameness to near-foreleg – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 1. PERFECT FAWAZ – Poor post-race recovery – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 2. HARRY HOT LAPS – Hung out throughout – Must obtain satisfactory trial prior to racing again.
 
Bleeders
Nil
 
Falls
Nil
 
Protests
Nil
 
 
Summary of rider changes/late notifications
Race 2. No 6. BOOMING BELIEF – Ryan Wiggins
Race 4. No 2. BOB”S KOKOPOP – Anthony Allen
Race 5. No 2. READY TIGER – Julie Busuttin
Race 6. No 9. THE KAMIKAZE (NZ) – Denicious Smith
Race 9. No 12. KEEP SAFE – Julie Busuttin

Late scratchings
Race 2. No 11. WHISPERS OF ZIANN – 12:41pm – Order of Stewards.
 

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.