QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

 TOOWOOMBA TURF CLUB

SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2026

WEATHER – Fine
TRACK RATING – Good 4
RAIL – True
PENETROMETER – 5.8

OFFICIALS

Stewards – S. Fletcher (Chair), J. Childs, W. Glass, T. Hendy
Clerk of scales – A. Cuckson

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
From Toowoomba 21 January 2026
 
Stewards inquired into a veterinary report on thoroughbred Miss Armani from the Gatton trials on 24th February 2026 and trainer M. Currie’s failure to report an occurrence and subsequent treatment of Sweet Armani prior to racing at Toowoomba on 21st February 2026. A veterinary report outlined that Miss Armani had sutures in an area of the forehead and had soreness over the whither area, and upon these finding’s was withdrawn by Stewards at the Gatton trials.
Trainer M. Currie stated that on 31st January 2026, staff had advised him that Miss Armani had been found to have sustained an injury to her forehead, in which he immediately requested that his vet attend, and that the mare subsequently received veterinary care and sutures. He added that he was unaware of his obligations to report under the rule regarding the injury to the mare but had been satisfied to trial the mare for reinstatement after the horse had received massage therapy in the day’s prior. M. Currie was found guilty of a charge under AR105(1)(d) in that he did fail to notify Stewards of an occurrence that may affect the horse’s performance in a race, that Sweet Armani which was accepted for and subsequently raced at Toowoomba on 21st February 2026, did sustain an injury to its forehead on or around 31st January 2026, which required veterinary attention and treatment in the form of sutures for a head wound. In considering penalty, Stewards acknowledged Mr Currie’s not guilty plea, his disciplinary record, previous penalty precedents, the QRIC penalty guidelines and consequently issued a $500 fine.
 
 

GENERAL

Stewards permitted the following overweight:
Race 5: P. Randall +1kg (55.5kg)
 
Trainer S. Croxford was reprimanded pursuant to LR36(6) for failing to scratch dual acceptor CHOCECLAIR by the prescribed time.
 
Apprentice S. Callow was reprimanded pursuant to AR128(1) for not being on course by the prescribed time.
 
 
RACE 1:THE @JACKLEIGHH INSTA STAKES CLASS 1 HANDICAP  1000 M         

The start of this race was delayed two minutes owing to FLUDWAY rearing up and getting its forelegs up and over the barrier partition. FLUDWAY was withdrawn from the barriers and after undergoing a veterinary examination, was found to be lame in the near hind and subsequently declared at late scratching on veterinary advice at 3:40pm.
 
On the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all monies invested on FLUDWAY be refunded in full with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st BLUE EYE DAME 0c win 6c place
2nd OCEAN JOY 4c place
3rd SAY WHEN SUTTY 6c place
 
Trainer P. Randall was advised FLUDWAY would require a veterinary clearance prior to resuming. Trainer P. Randall was also advised that the gelding would be required to officially trial and obtain a further barrier certificate before racing again. Trainer P. Randall advised Stewards that FLUDWAY would now be retired from racing.
 
DARTH INVADER - When questioned regarding the performance, rider A. Butler reported he was disappointed with the performance, and that the gelding which was first up from a spell, would derive benefit from today’s race. Rider A. Butler was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(b) for failing to ride his mount to the end of the race.

OCEAN JOY – Began awkwardly resulting in apprentice R. Thorburn becoming momentarily unbalanced. Laid in under pressure over the final 100m.

DECORATIVE - Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout. Steadied from heels leaving the 200m.                 
BLUE EYE DAME – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination due to not having raced for an extended period. Began awkwardly. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

MY SICADA – Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early stages. Apprentice F. Sandkuhl reported that the gelding did not begin well and after being crossed early, raced keenly and as a result settled back further than she would have liked. She added that her mount was under pressure from the 500m and was disappointing in its performance. Trainer G. Banks reported that the performance was disappointing, that the gelding had pulled up well and that he would now place the horse back in country grade races.
 
TOUTE SWEET – Approaching the 800m was momentarily steadied when racing in restricted room. Improved onto heels near the 550m and was steadied. Leaving the 200m shifted out to improve, when insufficiently clear of DECORATIVE, which was momentarily steadied. Apprentice S. Callow was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding. Laid in under pressure over the final 100m.
 
 
RACE 2: HAPPY 30TH COREY GERAN RATINGS BAND 0 - 62 HANDICAP  1300 M
 
The start of this race was delayed owing to TOKYO BANDIT kicking out in the barriers and getting its off hindleg caught up on the barrier gate. TOKYO BANDIT was removed from the barriers and after undergoing a veterinary examination was declared at late scratching on veterinary advice at 4:20pm. The start of the race was further delayed when JORUM momentarily sat down in the barriers, JORUM was removed from the barriers and subsequently underwent a veterinary examination and was passed suitable to start.
 
On the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all monies invested on TOKYO BANDIT be refunded in full with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st LINWAR  6c win  6c place
2nd KRUMAC  6c place
3rd RUBAAHY 8c place
 
A veterinary examination revealed TOKYO BANDIT to be lame in the off hindleg. Trainer J. Gleeson was advised that the gelding would require a veterinary clearance prior to resuming. Trainer J. Gleeson was also advised that the gelding would be required to obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.

SIX OF WANDS – Rounding the home turn momentarily disappointed for a run. Apprentice F. Sandkuhl reported the gelding was slow to muster early speed and did not travel comfortably throughout, adding that her mount was under pressure from the 700m but did make up ground over the later stages.

PUROSANGUE – Apprentice R. Thorburn could offer no explanation for the poor performance, only that in his opinion the gelding is better suited to tighter turning tracks. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
JOHNNY THE KID – Slow to begin. Eased when racing in restricted room near the 700m until leaving the 600m.
 
LINWAR – Change of tactics; to be ridden back with cover. Settled in a position worse than midfield, three wide with cover. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
KRUMAC – Raced wide throughout, with cover.
 
JORUM – Slow to begin and then inconvenienced.
 
ITZA MOTZA - Shifted in on jumping and inconvenienced JORUM, which was slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early stages. Laid in under pressure over the final 100m.
 
 
RACE 3: SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP   1300 M
 
Prior to correct weight, apprentice F. Sandkuhl and D. Groves, trainer of THE DEPUTY 2nd placegetter, viewed the Stewards patrol film before deciding not to lodge an objection.
 
GALWAY HUSSLER – Began awkwardly and bumped WARILLA GORILLA. Apprentice R. Thorburn could offer no explanation for the performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Apprentice R. Thorburn was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR128(2) for failing to obtain Steward’s approval before leaving the course. Co-trainer C. Geran advised that the mare will now be sent for a spell.
 
THE DEPUTY (NZ) – Raced wide throughout. Brushed with DOWNEY approaching the 100m.
 
WARILLA GORILLA – Began awkwardly and bumped GALWAY HUSSLER. Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
DOWNEY – Slow to begin. Raced wide from the 750m. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight and approaching the 100m brushed with THE DEPUTY. Rider K. Zechner was reprimanded pursuant AR132(6)(b) for using his whip in an action above shoulder height.
 
KINGSLAND – Slow to begin. From the 800m forced wider on the track and when being steadied raced with its head in the air momentarily. Near the 450m was steadied when racing in restricted room.
 
BUTT HEADS – Began awkwardly. Leaving the 1000m raced in restricted room and leaving the 900m was steadied and brushed the running rail when placed in restricted room by UNLEASH, which shifted in marginally. When the pace eased near the 800m, improved onto the heels of UNLEASH, was restrained and shifted out forcing KINGLSAND and THE DEPUTY wider on the track. Held up for clear running from approaching the 400m until near the 300m. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
 
RACE 4: TOOWOOMBA BUILDING AND RENOVATION CENTRE BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP  1625 M

DON'T DISS AROUND – Slow to begin. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
WOWIT'S WILLYWONKA  - Raced wide until leaving the 1000m.
 
MALECON – When the pace eased near the 1200m raced with its head in the air, whilst being restrained for a short distance.
 
BAVARIAN LADY – Raced keenly in the early stages. Rider A. Butler reported that his instructions were to lead, however when POWER PACK improved to his outside and began to stride forward near the 1200m, he elected to come back and ride with cover. He added that in hindsight he felt the rail was the inferior part of the track and when the pressure of the race increased from the 600m, his mount was left flat footed and failed to respond to his riding and in his opinion was disappointing.
 
PELE PRINCESS – When questioned regarding the performance, rider M. Murphy stated the mare travelled comfortably early, however became under pressure from the 700m and failed to respond to his riding. He added the mare felt sore upon pulling up. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame in the offside foreleg. Trainer B. Baker was advised the mare would be required to obtain a veterinary clearance before racing again.
 
SLY CORNER (NZ) – Underwent a resaddle behind the barriers.

BLUE CHIP GIRL – Raced keenly in the early stages.
 
LITTLE VAIN - Raced wide throughout. Apprentice O. Kendal dropped her whip passing the 150m.
 
 
RACE 5: LEXUS OF TOOWOOMBA MAIDEN HANDICAP  1100 M
 
CONQUER DAT – Began awkwardly and bumped with IGOTMYMINDONYOU. Laid out from near the 500m until entering the home straight. Trainer M. Frappell was advised that a warning would be placed on the gelding’s racing manners.
 
FOUR DOZEN OYSTERS – Slow to begin.
 
IGOTMYMINDONYOU – Began awkwardly and then bumped CONQUER DAT. Shifted out rounding the home turn taking FREDS MEMORY wider on the track. Laid out from the 200m when placed under pressure.
 
FRED'S MEMORY – Raced wide throughout. Taken wider on the track rounding the home turn.
 
LA SWISH – Raced wide throughout.
 
RUBY DU JEU – Shifted out at the start and bumped with ELEGANT LUCY.
 
BRONZE MEMORY – Slow to begin and lost considerable ground. Trainer J. Hanna was advised a warning would be placed on the mares’ barrier manners. J. Hanna reported post-race that he felt the mare was in season which may have contributed to her being slow to begin.
 
DESERT DAWN – Raced keenly in the early stages and got its head up when being restrained to obtain cover.
 
ELEGANT LUCY – Shifted in at the start and bumped with RUBY DU JEU. Laid in when placed under pressure leaving the 200m.
 
 
RACE 6: DAIMLER TRUCKS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN HANDICAP  1200 M

ONLYYOUCANREAD – Near the 1000m when racing keenly was steadied from heels. Near the 850m improved onto heels and was steadied. Near the 650m bumped with TUESDAY and was steadied when becoming unbalanced. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. Rider G. Geran reported that the gelding from the 500m did not have a turn of foot when the pressure increased, however finished the race off strongly. G. Geran added that the gelding will be better suited over further ground.
 
YEAH BUDDY – Began awkwardly.
 
CRYPTION'S DESIRE – Rider H. Shaw could offer no explanation for the performance other than that gelding raced on the rail which he felt was the inferior part of the track.
 
ZOU ZOU SHARGUSA – Fractious in the barriers. Began awkwardly, bumped LOST IN FRANCE and became unbalanced. Raced greenly for a short distance near the 850m. Raced wide throughout. Rider M. Murphy reported some soreness in his left foot and knee from contact in the barriers on return to scale.

LOST IN FRANCE – Bumped at the start. Raced wide throughout. Laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
LITTLE MISS BOOM – Fractious in the barriers. Began awkwardly and lost considerable ground. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer K. Kemp was advised a veterinary certificate would be required prior to racing again and that a warning would be placed on the filly’s barrier manners.
 
TUESDAY – Raced wide throughout. Near the 650m bumped with ONLYYOUCANREAD.
 
SWEET POPPY – Approaching the 1000m was steadied and raced keenly for a short distance when SPOILT ROTTEN (O. Kendal) shifted in when insufficiently clear. Apprentice O. Kendal was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding. Leaving the 900m when racing keenly, raced in restricted room and when being steadied threw its head in the air and changed stride. At an inquiry, Stewards in noting the racing manners of SWEET POPPY when in restricted room and the incident occurring at a point of a turn, issued rider K. Zechner (YEAH BUDDY) with a reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) in that he shifted in when insufficiently clear of MISTER MIGHTY (G. Cartwright) which then shifted in marginally onto the line of SWEET POPPY, resulting in that runner when racing keenly being restrained.
 
 
RACE 7: TOTAL TOOLS TOOWOOMBA CLASS 3 HANDICAP  1000 M
 
NONDISCLOSURE - Rider A. Butler reported he was satisfied with how the gelding began and then settled into a favorable position. A. Butler further added, whilst not being suited to the 1000m of today’s race, he was satisfied with how the gelding finished off the race and that the horse would be suited to races over further distance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
CHINCHILLA AHEAD – Shifted in at the start bumping LUCIFER’S WAY and becoming unbalanced. Raced wide throughout. Near the 550m shifted in and bumped CHARMED PASSAGE. Near the 250m shifted out taking CHARMED PASSAGE out which in turn took BLANTONS RUN wider on the track, a short distance later near the 150m, when placed under pressure again shifted out and bumped CHARMED PASAGE on the hindquarters. H. Shaw was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding and was reminded that he must stop and straighten his mount when they shift ground. Approaching the 50m was bumped and became momentarily unbalanced.
 
LUCIFER'S WAY – Tightened for room and buffeted between runners at the start. Raced wide throughout. When asked to comment on the performance, rider G. Geran stated that the gelding never travelled comfortably and was under pressure from near the 600m and proved disappointing. Stewards will follow up with the stable.
 
BLANTONS RUN – When placed under pressure, commenced to shift in near the 100m and bumped with CHARMED PASSAGE which then shifted in approaching the 50m and bumped CHINCHILLA AHEAD resulting in both runners becoming momentarily unbalanced. Rider D. Boche was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a) for careless riding in that he failed to stop and straighten his mount when shifting ground.
 
CHARMED PASSAGE (NZ) – Shifted out on jumping resulting in DUCHESS BREE and LUCIFER’S WAY being tightened for room and a short distance later CHINCHILLA AHEAD which bumped heavily with LUCIFER’S WAY becoming unbalanced. Bumped near 550m. Taken wider on the track near the 250m. Bumped near the 150m. Approaching the 50m was bumped and became momentarily unbalanced.
 
DUCHESS BREE – Tightened for room at the start and lost ground.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 1: Apprentice S. Callow – AR128(1) – Failed to arrive on course by the prescribed time.
Race 1: Apprentice S. Callow – AR131(a) – Careless riding.
Race 1: Jockey A. Butler – AR131(b) – Failed to ride mount to the end of the race.
Race 3: Jockey K. Zechner – AR132(6)(b) – Use of whip in an action above shoulder height.
Race 3: Apprentice R. Thorburn – AR128(2) – Failed to obtain Stewards approval before leaving the course – Severe reprimand.
Race 6: Trainer S. Croxford – LR36(6) – Failed to scratch dual acceptor by the prescribed time.
Race 6: Apprentice O. Kendal – AR131(a) – Careless riding.
Race 6: Jockey K. Zechner – AR131(a) – Careless riding.
Race 7: Jockey H. Shaw – AR131(a) – Careless riding.
Race 7: Jockey D. Boche – AR131(a) – Careless riding – Severe reprimand.
 
Fines
Trainer M. Currie – Failure to report an occurrence and treatment - $500 – AR105(1)(d)
 
Race day injuries/illness
Race 6: M. Murphy – Soreness to left foot and knee.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race:
Race 1: DARTH INVADER
Race 2: TOKYO BANDIT
Race 3: WARILLA GORILLA
Race 4: LITTLE VAIN
Race 6: YEAH BUDDY
Race 7: BLANTONS RUN
 
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1: FLUDWAY – Lame near hindleg - Veterinary clearance
Race 1: FLUDWAY – Reared up and got forelegs over barrier partition - Official trial/barrier certificate
Race 2: TOKYO BANDIT - Lame off hindleg - Veterinary clearance
Race 2: TOKYO BANDIT – Kicked out in barriers and got leg up - Barrier certificate required
Race 4: PELE PRINCESS – Lame off-side fore - Veterinary certificate
Race 5: BRONZE MEMORY – Slow to begin – Warning
Race 5: CONQUER DAT – Laid out during race - Warning
Race 6: LITTLE MISS BOOM – Lame off-side foreleg - Veterinary certificate
Race 6: LITTLE MISS BOOM – Began awkwardly and lost considerable ground – Warning

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 1: 14e MY SICADA - Ms Fiona Sandkuhl (a2/52kg),
             15e SAY WHEN SUTTY - Karl Zechner
Race 2: 13e JORUM - Damien Boutet
             14e ITZA MOTZA - Ms Olivia Kendal (a1.5/52kg),
15e MISS HIGHFALUTIN (NZ) - Nozi Tomizawa

Late scratchings
Race 1: FLUDWAY (Vets @ 3:40pm)
Race 2: TOKYO BANDIT (Vets @ 4:20pm)
 
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.