QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB - GATTON

THURSDAY 10 JULY 2025

WEATHER – Fine
TRACK RATING – Soft 5; Good 4 (11:20am)
RAIL – +0.5m 965-400; True Remainder
 
OFFICIALS

Stewards – D. McMahon (Chair); G. Goold, P. Zimmermann, S. Fletcher, S. Coulthard; L. De Witt – Rowson (Asst. Steward)

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Lockyer Valley Turf Club (Gatton) – 9 May 2025 – Race 5
Stewards concluded an inquiry into Apprentice Sariah Champkin’s riding tactics on SMOOTH FLGITH in the home straight during the running of Race 5 The JACK TILLACK RATINGS BAND 0 - 58 Handicap over 1400m at Gatton - Lockyer Valley Turf Race Club’s meeting on the 9th of May 2025. Evidence was taken after that race from App. Champkin assisted by Racing Queensland Jockey mentor Mr R Fradd and Miss S Sixtus the trainer of the gelding. The inquiry was adjourned on this day to enable the Stewards to obtain betting records on the event for examination, view the previous starts of SMOOTH FLIGHT and allow App. Champkin’s master Mr G Thornton to be present. After examining the betting records and finding no integrity concerns within the report, the inquiry was able to recommence. After considering the evidence in its entirety, Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied to the required standards that a breach of AR129(2) or AR131(b) had occurred particularly owing to the riding experience of App. S Champkin and the racing manners of SMOOTH FLIGHT, which hung in from the 500m, proving difficult to ride. Trainer Miss S Sixtus was advised a warning had been placed on the gelding in relation to its racing manners.
 
GENERAL

Stewards approved the following overweight allowances at today’s meeting:
Race 6: 12 BEATLEMANIA – D. McGillivray +1kg (55kg)
Race 7: 11 SHOUTS ALL DAY – L. Tilley +0.5kg (55kg)
 
As Jockey J. Huxtable was not riding due to injury and Apprentice B. Wheeler was not riding due to personal reasons, Stewards permitted the rider changes as per the Stewards Race Day Summary.
 
The track was upgraded to a Good 4 at 11:20am.
 
Due to an interstate race being abandoned, the following race times were amended:
Race 2: 1:30pm
Race 7: 4:35pm
 
 
Race 1: VALE SCOTT 'BUTCHY' FALCONER BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP  1100M
 
MR WANDJI – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
PRINCE OF DIAMONDS – Shortly after the start, tightened for room between RAFALE JOLIE and PRO FORMA and was steadied. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Inconvenienced near the 200m.
 
PRO FORMA – Raced keenly in the early stages. Inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight. When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey C. Graham reported the gelding never travelled throughout the race and when placed under pressure, proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have bled from the right nostril. Stable representative N. Boyle was advised PRO FORMA must gallop 1000m in the presence of a Steward pursuant to AR 79(8) prior to resuming racing.
 
DAWYN'S CHOICE – Near the 200m, shifted in, bumped the running rail and became unbalanced.

 
Race 2: LADBROKES FORM GENIUS MAIDEN PLATE      1100M
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately one (1) minute due to MASTER NED proving difficult to proceed to the barriers. Trainer P. Hill was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding for its pre-race manners.
 
CRAIGLEA OREO – Tightened for room at the start, bumped and had to be steadied. Approaching the winning post, improved onto heels and was steadied.
 
HUSSON'S TREASURE – Began awkwardly and bumped shortly after the start. Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages. Raced wide for the majority. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
HEADLINE LEGEND – Change of tactics; to settle further forward. Ridden accordingly. Near the 700m, tightened for room and steadied when racing to the inside of MASTER NED which laid in and away from MAGICAL EYE. When considering the incident, Stewards noted the racing manners of MATER NED and could not apportion blame to any one rider. Crowded for room near the 200m when MEANIE (J. Busuttin) shifted out. Apprentice J. Busuttin pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) in that near the 200m, she permitted her mount to shift out under riding when not clear of HEADLINE LEGEND (G. Cartwright) which was severely crowded for room and obliging its rider to take hold of her mount to avoid that runners heels and lose its rightful running. Apprentice J. Busuttin’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of eight (8) days, commencing at the conclusion of another suspension on midnight Saturday 16 August 2025 and concluding midnight Sunday 24 August 2025. In assessing penalty, account was taken of her guilty plea, record in relation to this rule, status as an Apprentice and the QRIC careless riding penalty guidelines.
 
MASTER NED– Bumped with MAGICAL EYE near the 900m. Near the 700m, laid in and away from MAGICAL EYE. Bumped near the 200m.
 
MAGICAL EYE – Trainer B. Gentle was reprimanded pursuant to LR67(1) for failing to declare a rider by the prescribed time. Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination as the mare raced at Kilcoy on 6 July 2025 and was cleared to start. Bumped with MASTER NED near the 900m. Raced wide in the early stages.
 
MEANIE– Shifted out on jumping. Shifted out under pressure in the early stages of the home straight.
 
BOHO BELLE – Crowded for room on jumping and lost ground. Jockey K. Yoshida reported the filly, which was having its first start today, raced greenly and was inclined to hang in. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
MISS WRIGHTLY – Began awkwardly. Raced wide for the majority.
 
BETTER FOR IT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after having not raced for an extended period and was cleared to start. Raced wide for the majority.
 
STRAZ DANZ– Bumped shortly after the start.
 
MR HANKY PANKY – Raced wide for the majority. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
Race 3: DRY JULY BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP         860M
 
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards considered an objection lodged by apprentice J. Williams, rider of the fourth placed PUROSANGUE against LOADED GUN (J. Molloy) the third placegetter, alleging interference in the home straight. On the evidence, Stewards were of the opinion that near the 300m, PUROSANGUE hadn’t established a run to the inside of LOADED GUN when that runner shifted in and PUROSANGUE improved onto its heels and had to be steadied. Further, leaving the 200m LOADED GUN shifted out initially and when being corrected by its rider, shifted back in to the line of PUROSANGUE, which was momentarily inconvenienced. Bearing in mind the interference, how both runners finished the race off and the beaten margin, Stewards could not be satisfied that had the interference not occurred, PUROSANGUE would have finished ahead of LOADED GUN at the conclusion of the event and therefore the objection was dismissed, and correct weight was declared on the judges semaphored numbers.
 
PUROSANGUE – Began awkwardly and lost ground. Rounding the home turn, improved onto the heels of LOADED GUN and had to be steadied. Leaving the 200m, momentarily inconvenienced when LOADED GUN shifted in. Laid out over the final 100m.
 
LOADED GUN – Raced keenly in the early stages. Near the 200m, shifted out before being corrected by its rider and shifted back in. Jockey J. Molloy was reminded of his obligations to fully ride his mounts out to the finish line. Trainer G. Banks was advised a warning would be placed on the gelding for its racing manners in the home straight.
 
MISHANI STORM – Raced wide throughout. Laid out rounding the home turn and when placed under pressure in the home straight.
 
MISS DE BLAAS – Raced wide throughout.
 
CHEEK TO CHEEK – Raced wide throughout.
 
ALBION SQUARE (GB) – Began awkwardly. Held up rounding the home turn. Leaving the 200m, steadied when disappointed for a run between HEAVENLY AZ and MISHANI STORM (L. Tilley) which shifted out. Jockey L. Tilley was reprimanded for careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) for this incident. Had difficulty obtaining clear running from the 200m and went to the line without being fully tested.
 
HEAVENLY AZ – Raced wide throughout. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Laid in under pressure in the home straight.

 
Race 4: TEMPORARY FENCING & BARRIER HIRE (TFB) QTIS 3-Y-O BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1400M
 
HEAVENLY LOVE – Slow into stride. Momentarily held up rounding the home turn. Laid in over the final 100m.
 
HEROIC BEACH – When asked to comment on the performance, apprentice K. Lenton advised the gelding may not have appreciated today’s track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
PROPOSE – Jockey L. Tilley reported his mount didn’t appreciate today’s track conditions.
 
BLAKEMORE AVENUE – Began awkwardly.
 
FENDBAR – Raced wide from the 700m.

 
Race 5: BARRIER REEF POOLS MAIDEN HANDICAP 1400M
 
CAPTAIN INSANO – Near the 800m, momentarily inconvenienced when SOUTHAMPTON NICCO (App O. Kendal) shifted in when not fully clear. Apprentice O. Kendal was reprimanded for careless riding pursuant to AR131(a) for this incident.
 
YOUCOMPLETEME – Leaving the 100m, shifted out under pressure obliging Apprentice T. Fenlon to sop riding and straighten her mount.
 
FRENCH EMPIRE – Bumped shortly after the start.
 
VICTORY LINK– Began awkwardly. Raced wide for the majority.
 
KEMAL – Slow into stride. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
SHE'S GOT LYRICS – Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
BESIEGE – Bumped at the start with SOUTHAMPTON NICCO. Raced wide in the early stages.
 
SOUTHAMPTON NICCO – Began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped with BESIEGE.
 
JEDIAH– Slow into stride. Improved onto heels approaching the 100m and was steadied. Unable to obtain clear running from that point onwards and went to the line without being fully tested.  Stewards opened an inquiry into the riding tactics of Apprentice S. Willis. After taking initial evidence from Apprentice S. Willis and Trainer L. Derecourt, Stewards adjourned the inquiry to examine all aspects of the race, including the wagering.  A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
OUR ESPRIT – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination as the mare raced at Kilcoy on 6 July 2025 and was cleared to start.  Slow into stride

 
Race 6: HARMAN CONCRETING RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 HANDICAP 1100M
 
MIDNIGHT IN AUSTIN – Declared a late scratching at 10:45am due to the mare becoming cast in its box. Trainer D. Russell was advised the mare would require veterinary clearance prior to next racing or trialing.
 
BOLD AS BRASS – Began awkwardly.
 
PABALLO – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination as the gelding raced at Kilcoy on 6 July 2025 and was cleared to start. Raced wide throughout.
 
QICKWIT – Began awkwardly.
 
COUNT NICHOLAS– Laid in under pressure in the home straight.
 
QUARTER RED – When asked to comment on the performance, Jockey L. Tilley advised the gelding travelled well throughout, however when paced under pressure, proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
KOGA NINJA – Began very awkwardly and lost ground.
 
DOONA– Slow to begin.
 
ROCKRATA – Began awkwardly. Shifted out under pressure near the 150m before being corrected by its rider.
 
BEATLEMANIA – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after having not raced for an extended period and was cleared to start.

 
Race 7: QN HOTEL LAIDLEY CLASS 2 HANDICAP 1400M
 
POWERFUL EAGLE – Bumped at the start. Approaching the 100m, improved close to the heels of KAMARIYA before shifting out to obtain clear running.
 
LONE FORCE – Shifted out on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of KEITANY.
 
FLY FIFER – Began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped POWERFUL EAGLE. When asked to comment, Apprentice K. Johnston advised the mare was heavily in season, which may have contributed to its disappointing performance.
 
KAMARIYA – When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice T. Fenlon advised the mare had to do too much work in the early stages to hold the leading position which was detrimental to its overall performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have a cough. Stable representative J. Coetze  was advised KAMARIYA would require a veterinary clearance prior to next racing or trialing. 
 
FORT WILLIAM – Crowded for room at the start between runners. Raced wide from the 800m. Shifted out abruptly leaving the 200m and again near the 50m, obliging its rider to stop riding and straighten.
 
AZNAVOUR– When asked to comment on the performance, Apprentice T. Wheeler stated the gelding never felt comfortable and for this reason he eased it down in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery. Trainer G. Alati was advised the gelding would be required to officially trial to the Satisfaction of Stewards prior to resuming racing.
 
SHOUTS ALL DAY – Slow to begin.
 
ROCKBARTON FASHION– Shifted out on jumping.
 
KEITANY – Bumped on the hindquarters at the start.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 2: 8 MAGICAL EYE – B. Gentle – LR 67(1) – reprimand – failure to declare a rider by the prescribed time.
Race 3: 5 MISHANI STORM – L. Tilley – AR 131(a) – reprimand – careless riding.
Race 5: 11 SOUTHAMPTON NICCO – O. Kendal – AR 131(a) – reprimand – careless riding.
 
Suspensions
Race 2: 10 MEANIE – J. Busuttin – AR 131(a) – careless riding - eight (8) days - commencing midnight Saturday 16 August 2025, concluding midnight Sunday 24 August 2025.

Absent jockeys
J. Huxtable – Injury
B. Wheeler – Personal reasons
 
Adjourned inquiries
Race 5: 15 JEDIAH – S. Willis – tactics adopted.  

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled pre-race
Race 4: HEAVENLY LOVE, FOR BETTER
Race 5: YOUCOMPLETEME, FRENCH EMPIRE
Race 6: PABALLO
Race 7: FORT WILLIAM

Horses sampled post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2: 5 MASTER NED – warning – difficulty proceeding to the barriers.
Race 3: 3 LOADED GUN – warning – racing manners.
Race 6: 11 MIDNIGHT IN AUSTIN – veterinary clearance required – late scratching, cast in box.
Race 7: 8 KAMARIYA – veterinary clearance required – cough.
Race 7: 10 AZNAVOUR – official trial – poor performance.

Bleeders
Race 1: 6 PRO FORMA – AR 79(8) – right nostril bleed – 1000m gallop.

Protests
Race 3: 4th vs 3rd – dismissed.

Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 2: 8 MAGICAL EYE – C. Krahnen
Race 2: 16e MR HANKY PANKY – C. Graham
Race 3: 2 PUROSANGUE – J. Williams
Race 5: 2 CAPTAIN INSANO – D. Thornton
Race 5: 16 OUR ESPRIT – K. Yoshida
Race 6: 4 COUNT NICHOLAS – J. Williams
Race 7: 2 LONE FORCE – J. Williams
Race 7: 13e ROCKBARTON FASHION – O. Kendal
Race 7: 15e KEITANY – B.R. Andrew

Late scratchings
Race 6: 11 MIDNIGHT IN AUSTIN (Stew @ 10:45am)

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.