QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT
 
TOOWOOMBA TURF CLUB
 
SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2026
 
 
WEATHER –     Overcast         
TRACK RATING – Good 4
RAIL – +1.5m Entire
PENETROMETER – 5.8

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – A. Streckbein
Stewards – J. Childs, S. Coulthard, Z. Lines and D. MacDonald

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Toowoomba 15/08/26
 
ELEGANT LUCY – Trainer J. Crompton reported that ELEGANT LUCY had returned to the stable in good order with the intention to give the mare a short freshen up before continuing with the current preparation.

GENERAL
 
Stewards permitted B. Lerena to ride BITTER SWEET 1kg over its handicapped weight.
 
As rider A. Thomspon was unavailable due to personal reasons, he was replaced by D. McGillivray in Race 1.
 
Race 1 - EMPIRE OF JAPAN BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP 1300 M
 
Prior to correct weight, rider G. Geran viewed the official photo finish before agreeing with the Judges numbers.
 
DRACENA – Slow to begin
 
THUNDER AWARD – Slow to begin. Performed below market expectations. Rider H. Shaw was at a loss to explain the poor performance other than the gelding slipped behind when leaving the barriers. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the off hind leg and to have cardiac arrythmia. Trainer W. Nugent was advised THUNDER AWARD must not start in a further race, official trial or jump-out until the Stewards have received a satisfactory report from a qualified veterinary surgeon which includes the results of (a) an electrocardiography (ECG) of more than 60 seconds duration performed by that veterinarian whilst the horse is at rest and (b) a cardiac auscultation performed by that veterinarian within 15 minutes of the horse completing a satisfactory gallop of at least 1000m.  
 
FORT WILLIAM – Laid out under pressure in the straight.
 
BRECHEN – Raced wide in the early stages before striding to settle in the lead near the 800m. Raced keenly for a short distance in the lead. Lost both front bar plates in running.
 
HEAVENLY LOVE – Held up for clear running from the 500m until passing the 300m. Altered course near the 50m to obtain clear running.
 
ABRAHAM – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
BOOGA RAY – Began awkwardly.
 
ARAMINTA – Had some difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 200m.
 
KNOWITALL FRANK – Raced wide without cover from the 900m. Passing the 400m laid in close to the heels of FORT WILLIAM. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
GRANDSTANDER – Began awkwardly.
 
Race 2 - BROWN FAMILY WINE GROUP BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP      1000 M
 
Prior to correct weight and after viewing the patrol film, apprentice M. Mankelow (JACK BE LUCKY, 4th placegetter) lodged an objection against JEMELDI (D. McGillivray) being declared 2nd place on the grounds of alleged interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from all parties, it was established that at the 75m, JACK BE LUCKY shifted out under pressure and brushed with JEMELDI. Further, near the 25m JEMELDI shifted in bumping JACK BE LUCKY who became slightly unbalanced. When considering the margin between the two at the finish and the manner both horses finished the race off as well as the minor interference, Stewards were comfortably satisfied that had the interference not occurred, JACK BE LUCKY would not have finished ahead of JEMELDI as a result Stewards dismissed the objection and correct weight was declared.
 
At a subsequent inquiry rider D. McGillivray was severely reprimanded for shifting in where there was doubtful room to do so. 
 
JACK BE LUCKY – Shifted out under pressure near the 75m and brushed JEMELDI. Near the 25m was bumped and was slightly unbalanced when JEMELDI shifted in (D. McGillivray)
 
SHOWS A SIGN– Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the lead.
 
JEMELDI – Held up for clear running approaching the 400m until approaching the 200m. Near the 75m was brushed by JACK BE LUCKY, which had shifted out. Near the 25m shifted in and bumped JACK BE LUCKY.
 
KING JESTER – Had to be eased when in restricted room near the 500m.
 
NOT SURPRISED – Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the middle stages getting its head up on multiple occasions. Held up for clear running from the 400m until passing the 300m.
 
THAT'S AN EXTRA – Slow to begin. Raced keenly whilst being restrained and wide without cover for a majority of the event.
 
BETTER SWEET – Slow to begin. Unplaced easing $2.20 favourite. Rider Lerena expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of BETTER SWEET. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be coughing and with harsh lung sounds that could be attributed to a degree of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhaging. 
 
Following the running of Race 2 rider H. Richardson reported that a knee injury that was sustained at last week’s Toowoomba meeting had flared up. As H. Richardson had concluded her engagements at the meeting, Stewards noted her report.
 
Race 3 - HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TONY CAMPBELL BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP              1625 M
 
MADALSA – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Held up near the 400m for a short distance. Held up approaching and passing the 200m. Apprentice C. Lowe reported that in her opinion the mare may be looking for a step up in distance at this stage of her preparation.
 
CARDIOLOGIST – Had some difficulty obtaining clear running at the entrance to the straight. Near the 250m was disappointed for a narrow run, then shifting in abruptly when close to heels. Passing the 50m shifted out to continue into clear running. When questioned, rider H. Shaw explained that he was instructed to be handy on the gelding and after beginning well from an inside draw was able to lead. When asked if he could have made some use of his mount in the back straight to prevent being crossed. Rider H. Shaw explained that he was happy to take a trailing run at this stage of the event and not use his mount up the hill.  A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

FORTY TIMES (NZ) – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
GOT YOURSELF A GUN – Slow to begin. Improved performance. Trainer P. Bobic reported that the gelding had worked well into the lead up of the gelding’s first up run including trialing well and although anticipated a better performance, pointed out that the gelding does not seem to race well first up. He added that he had not changed GOT YOURSELF A GUN’s training program in the lead up to today’s race and felt that with the gelding being second up and having raced well at Toowoomba previously, he was not surprised to see an improvement in the performance.
 
LOCH AWE – Approaching the 200m was eased when tightened for room to the inside of GOT YOURSELF A GUN (B. Thorton) which had shifted in under pressure. B. Thorton was reprimanded and advised to have far more care when shifting ground. Rider S. Bogenhuber reported that the gelding raced slightly below its best tonight and noted that when travelling up the hill in the back straight, the gelding did not feel entirely comfortable or want to quicken. She added she was advised by the ownership that they wished her to get going at the 600m and to make a sustained run, but as the gelding had only traveled fairly through the middle stages, she was unable to quicken as requested. Stewards noted her comments.
 
BETTER YET – Hampered near the 1400m by SLUGWORTH, which when racing keenly stepped out.
 
FLYING CELICA – Raced wide early, permitted to stride to settle in the lead near the 900m. Tactics quired. Rider A. Allen explained that from the wider draw he was instructed to be positive, but after beginning only fairly in the early stage he was caught wide and elected to stride to attempt to find a handy position rather than looking to shift in. He then continued to stride, until finding the lead which was further forward than intended.
 
SKIEDA – Steadied passing the 200m when close to the heels of CARDIOLOGIST, which when awkwardly placed on heels shifted in (H. Shaw). Rider H. Shaw was severely reprimanded for shifting in. Although Stewards noted the awkward position H. Shaw being on heels, he was advised Stewards wished to see him restrain, rather than shifting into the line of SKIEDA.
 
SLUGWORTH – Raced keen in the early stages. Approaching the 1400m, when racing keenly, shifted out. Raced wide without cover for a majority of the event. Rounding the home turn was crowded and tightened for room momentarily by GOT YOURSELF A GUN, which when improving shifted out (B. Thornton). B. Thronton was advised to exercise more care.
 
 
Race 4 - HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY LIVEWIRED ELECTRICAL BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP              1000 M
 
FLYING BIRDS – Shortly after the start was crowded and carried in by JIMMINTHEJUNGLE, which had shifted in (M. Apel). Apprentice M. Apel was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Approaching the 400m was bumped and hampered by LUDIK, which had shifted out (O. Kendal). Apprentice O. Kendal was reprimanded under the provisions of AR131(a) and advised she must exercise greater care in similar situations.
 
JIMMYINTHEJUNGLE – Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
LUDIK – Slow into stride. Near the 300m laid in close to the heels of FAGIN and eased.
 
TERRITORY ASH – Raced wide without cover for the majority of the event.
 
LUCKY MAN – Began awkwardly.
 
SKELLIG ROCK – Fractious in the float enroute to the races. Underwent a pre-race examination where lacerations were discovered on the head and a small amount of blood present in the nearside nostril. As the on-course veterinarian was satisfied that the blood was attributed to external trauma trainer L. Wanless was advised a veterinary certificate would be required.

BEACHSIDE BABE – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
Race 5 -2 DECADES OF LIVEWIRED MAIDEN HANDICAP              1300 M
 
DREAMING – Bumped at the start by LUSTFUL BELLE, which had commenced awkwardly. Rider K. Zechner expressed satisfaction with the gelding, who raced greenly at its first start. He added that when placed under full pressure the gelding wanted to climb in its action and will derive benefit from further racing. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormities.
 
MAHMOA (NZ) – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination having not raced since December 2025. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
ZOUMAN – Trainer S. Dixon advised Stewards the intention was to ride the gelding further back than previous starts. Settled midfield. Approaching 200m was checked when in restricted room to the outside of Dreaming (K. Zechner) who was taken out by LUSTFUL BELLE. Stewards inquired into the incident and on the footage available felt that at a point near the 200m DREAMING had established running to the outside of LUSTFUL BELLE, who then shifted out. On the evidence provided by riders, K. Zechner laid no blame on M. Hellyer for his shift and on that evidence rider K. Zechner was severely reprimanded for shifting ground and advised to exercise far more care in similar circumstances. Rider A. Keeley reported that ZOUMAN raced very greenly throughout and changed lead legs on a number of occasions and proved difficult to place under full pressure at any stage of the event.
 
LANGDOWN LEGACY – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
FLIRTATIOUS LASS – Raced keen in the early stages and wide without cover for a majority of the event. Following the running of this race Stewards were alerted that FLIRTATIOUS LASS was attempted to be taken off course prior to the prescribed time. Trainer M. Nolen was interviewed in relation to this and subsequently fined the sum of $300 for leaving an area designated by Stewards prior to the 30 minutes following the race.
 
KERRIELLA – Shortly after the start was hampered between FLIRTAIOUS LASS and MAHMOA, both which had shifted ground.
 
SEPURA EXPRESS – Knuckled at the start. Apprentice O. Kendal reported that with the filly stepping up in distance, SEURA EXPRESS jumped and found the lead with little effort. She added that she felt the filly did not see out a strong 1300m. A post-race examination revealed a slower than normal recovery.
 
LUSTFUL BELLE – Began awkwardly shifting out and bumping DREAMING. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
PIPPIE POMAR – Laid in under pressure in the straight. Apprentice A. McColm reported the mare raced flat and may not have handled the Toowoomba racing circuit.
 
Race 6 - HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY COLIN CHESHER CLASS 3 HANDICAP      2160 M
 
CIGAR MAN – Near the 1900m, hampered by VEGA SICILIA which had shifted out when racing keenly. Near the 1200m, shifted out and bumped THUNDERING FALCON. Stewards spoke to a stable representative in relation to the tactics issued in a small field where they expressed that with the removal of the blinkers, they wanted to get some cover or at the very least not lead in today’s event. Stewards noted their comments.
 
LORD PROTECTOR (NZ) – Late scratching at 11:07am on Stewards Order. Following scratching time Stewards spoke to trainer J. Moore in relation to his intentions for LORD PROTECTOR, which had raced at Murwillumbah Friday 21st and was still in the final field for Race 6. J. Moore explained that the gelding had returned to his stable in good order and he was intending to back up LORD PROTECTOR at the Toowoomba race meeting. Stewards under the provisions of AR55A(2) considered if they would give permission for the gelding to race in consecutive days. After giving consideration, the panel elected to not grant permission on this occasion and as a result withdrew LORD PROTECTOR at 11:07am.
 
VEGA SICILIA – After taking evidence from apprentice S. Champkin with the assistance of senior rider J. Taylor and trainer W. O’Connell, Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the tactics and riding of apprentice S. Champkin to allow Stewards to review betting and sectional data from the race as well as evaluate the evidence tendered.
 
THUNDERING FALCON – Shifted out approaching the 1400m, then bumped and carried out by CIGAR MAN, which had shifted out.
 
Race 7 - KENNARDS HIRE MAIDEN PLATE 2010 M
 
ALZURRI – Apprentice M. Mankelow was reprimanded for using her whip when out of contention 132(6)(C).
 
CONCADOR – Began very awkwardly and made heavy contact with the gates and as a result was slow into stride.
 
TRUST IN THE ROCK – Near the 400m was eased when in restricted room to the inside of JUST BEAUTY (S. Champkin). Near the 175m was steadied when in restricted room to the inside of JUST BEAUTY (S. Champkin). Apprentice S. Champkin was advised to exercise far more care in both incidents. Rider M. Hellyer reported that the gelding had raced flat and may have come to the end of its preparation. Rider M. Hellyer was reminded of his obligation of when safe to continue to ride his mounts out to the finish. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer D. Dobbin was reprimanded for attempting to leave the course prior to the prescribed time.
 
TURPIN'S TORMENT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after racing at Grafton 18/08/26 and was passed fit to start. Hampered at the start by DURNESS which had began awkwardly and shifted out.
 
DURNESS (NZ) – Began awkwardly and shifted out.
 
FLIRTING WITH FIRE (NZ) – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Rider D. McGillivray lost his whip near the 50m.
 
JOSEPHINE OF TUFFY – Began awkwardly.
 
SILVERTAIL – Over the concluding stages was eased when close to the heels of SPRING RAIN (L. Tilley). L. Tilly was advised to exercise care when shifting ground.
 
SPRING RAIN – Began awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2. D. McGillvray – severe – AR131(a) – careless
Race 3. B. Thornton – AR131(a) – careless
Race 3. H. Shaw – severe – AR131(a) – careless
Race 4. O. Kendal – AR131(a) – careless
Race 5. K. Zechner – severe – AR131(a) – careless
Race 7. M. Mankelow – AR132(6)(C) – whip when out of contention
Race 7. D. Dobbin – AR165(3) – leaving course early.

Fines
M. Nolen $300 – Attempting to leave course prior to the prescribed time AR165(3)
 
Race day injuries/illness
H. Richardson - knee

Adjourned inquiries
Race 6. S. Champkin

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
FORT WILLIAM, JACK BE LUCKY, THAT’S AN EXTRA, CARDIOLOGIST, LUDIK, MOHMOA
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1. THUNDER AWARD – Cardiac arrythmia and lame – Vet cert. with ECG.
Race 4. SKELLIG ROCK – External trauma and lacerations to the head – Vet cert.
 
Protests
Race 2. 4th vs 2nd dismissed

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 Race 1. BRECHEN – D. McGillvray
                 GRANDSTANDER – A. Keeley
Race 3. FLYING CELICA – A. Allen
                 SKIEDA – S. Callow
                 SLUGWORTH – D. McGillvray 

Late scratchings
Race 4. SKELLIG ROCK @ 5:39pm – Vets advice
Race 6. LORD PROTECTOR @ 11:07am – Stewards Order

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.