QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT
 
BUNDABERG TURF CLUB
SATURDAY 25TH JULY 2026
 
 
WEATHER – Fine
TRACK RATING – Good
RAIL – True
 
 
 

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – A. Dowsett
Stewards – S. Fletcher, J. Randall
Clerk of Scales – C. Myers
 
 
 
 
 

GENERAL
 
 
As rider M. Kennedy was absent through injury, she was replaced as per the Stewards Raceday Summary. M. Kennedy was advised she would require a medical clearance prior to returning.
 
Steward’s permitted rider C. Meehan to ride FULL STRENGTH +1.5kg overweight in Race 5 as he was a late replacement for the injured M. Kennedy and due to the scarcity of riders available at the meeting.  
 
 
Stewards permitted the following overweights:
 
Race 3: Rider M. Powell +1kg (56kg)  
Race 5: Rider M. Powell +1kg (56kg)  
Race 5: Rider C. Meehan +1.5kg (56.5kg)
 
 
 
 
 
Race 1 - VISY QTIS MAIDEN PLATE 1090 M
 
 
The start of this race was delayed by approximately three minutes when BUGBEAR became fractious in the barriers, getting its near-hind leg awkwardly positioned in a gap at the rear of the barrier stall. After undergoing a veterinary examination, BUGBEAR was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 1:25pm. Trainer T. Thomas was advised the gelding will need to obtain a veterinary certificate prior to racing again. T. Thomas also advised warning would be placed on the gelding’s barrier manners.
 
On the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered all bets on BUGBEAR to be refunded in full with the following deductions to apply:

1st – RAYGUN EXPRESS – 0c win, 2c place.
2nd – THE SOLICITOR – 2c place.
3rd - NTD
 
 
YONAKA – Apprentice rider K. Johnston reported her mount didn’t appear to appreciate today’s sand surface.
 
THE SOLICITOR – Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Inclined to lay out throughout the event. Trainer D. Rideout was advised a warning would be placed on The Solicitor for its racing manners.     
 
BRAIDWOOD ROSE – Leaving the 600m, had to check to avoid the heels of RAYGUN EXPRESS which stepped in momentarily and THE SOLICITOR, which shifted out whilst racing ungenerously. After taking evidence from the riders involved and viewing the available footage, stewards were satisfied that the incident was not a result of rider error, however all riders were reminded of their obligations when racing in close proximity.  

LITTLE MISS BOOM – Rider A. Spinks reported that his mount jumped well, however resented the kickback and was not comfortable on the sand surface. He further suggested that a step up in distance on a grass track may suit. Rider A. Spinks was reminded of obligations regarding using the whip when out of contention.

RAYGUN EXPRESS – Slow the begin. Raced three-wide without cover throughout. Raced greenly rounding the home turn.

 
 
Race 2 - CORTEVA & RIVULIS CLASS 3 PLATE 1090 M
 
 
CAPIANA – Slow to begin. Rider C. Meehan reported that after being slow to begin, his mount traveled comfortably in the early and middle stages, however when placed under pressure from the home turn, failed to respond to his riding.

KETTLEBELL – Apprentice S. Wilcock was reprimanded pursuant to AR132(6)(b) for using her whip above shoulder height. When questioned regarding her riding over the final stages, apprentice S. Wilcock advised that she felt her horse was tiring, however continued to pressure her mount. Apprentice S. Wilcock was reminded of her obligations to ride her mount out to the finish.  

SKELLIG ROCK – Raced three-wide without cover throughout. Rider A. Spinks pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m and 13 occasions in totality. A. Spink’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of seven (7) days, commencing midnight 25/07/2026 and concluding midnight 01/08/2026


Race 3 - INTEGRATED PACKAGING GROUP BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 1212 M
 

DESIAH – Rider C. Meehan reported his mount travelled comfortably on speed, however became under pressure approaching the home turn and weakened, in his opinion proving disappointing.       

DARLING CLEMENTINE – Apprentice K. Jonston could offer no explanation for today’s performance.

PAPER COWBOY – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.



Race 4 - HAIFA BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1212 M
 

VON BEE (NZ) – Hampered at the start and lost ground.      
 
DUKE OF LANCASTER – Slow to begin. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

THE FRUITOLOGIST – Slow to begin. Raced three-wide without cover throughout.
 
BRAIDWOOD QUEEN – Shifted in on jumping and hampered VON BEE.
 

 
Race 5 - LINDSAY AUSTRALIA LIMITED BUNDABERG CUP OPEN HANDICAP 1380 M
 

VILLADEN (NZ) – Raced three-wide without cover throughout.          

FROSTY BEAR – Laid out rounding the home turn.

HEAT - Slow to begin. Raced wide throughout.          

MOISSANITE – Rider A. Spinks pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m and 11 occasions in totality. Rider A. Spinks was subsequently fined $500. When questioned regarding the performance and tactics adopted, A. Spinks advised his mount was inclined to lay in for the entirety of the race, proving difficult to ride particularly leaving the 500m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings. Trainer G. Clem was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding for hanging.

RAPID DUDE – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.


Race 6 - HIGGINS COATINGS BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1380 M
 
 
KICKATINALONG – Change of tactics – to be ridden further forward if circumstances permit. Failed to muster early speed and settled towards the rear.

GALACTIC LEGEND – Fractious in the barriers. Began very awkwardly and lost ground. Trainer J. Johnston was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding’s barrier manners.  

NITROGEN – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.                   
 
PAULI – Slow to begin.


 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees
 

Reprimands

Race 2: Apprentice rider S. Wilcock - AR132(6)(b) – Whip above shoulder height
 

Fines
 
Race 5: Rider A. Spinks - 132(7)(a)(ii) - Use of the whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m (11 in totality) - $500 fine
 

Suspensions
 
Race 2: Rider A. Spinks - 132(7)(a)(ii) - Use of the whip on 9 occasions prior to the 100m (13 in totality) – Seven (7) day suspension commencing midnight 25/07/2026 and concluding midnight 01/08/2026.
 
 
Absent jockeys
 
M. Kennedy (Injury) – Medical clearance required


 

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 

Horses swabbed pre-race
 
YONAKA, THE SOLICITOR, VILLADEN, ACES UP, MOISSANITE, KICKATINALONG
 

Horses swabbed post-race
 
All winners
 

Warnings/bars
 
Race 1: BUGBEAR – Vet Cert – Late scratching (Vets advice)
Race 1: BUGBEAR – Warning – Barrier manners
Race 1: THE SOLICITOR – Warning – Racing manners / Hanging
Race 5: MOISSANITE – Warning – Hanging in
Race 6: GALACTIC LEGEND – Warning – Barrier manners

 

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

Race 1: 6 LITTLE MISS BOOM - Adam Spinks
Race 2: 6 KETTLEBELL - Ms Sophie Wilcock (a0/55kg),
Race 3: 3 MAMARAGAN - Ms Steph Tierney (a2/50.5kg),
Race 5: 9 SEA COMMITS - Ms Sophie Wilcock (a0/55kg), 11 FULL STRENGTH - Chris Meehan, 14e RAPID DUDE - Ms Kelly Gates
Race 6: 6 ENERGIA - Matthew Powell
 
 

Late scratchings
 
Race 1: BUGBEAR (1:25pm – Vets) 
 
 
 
 
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.