QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB

SATURDAY 5 JULY 2025

WEATHER – Fine  
TRACK RATING – Soft 5  
RAIL – +3m 1000m-350m Cutaway Applies; True Remainder
PENETROMETER – 4.83

OFFICIALS

Stewards – B. Wright (Chair), D. McMahon, E. Scott, P. Reardon, P. Gore (Cadet)
 

GENERAL
 
 
Stewards approved the following overweight allowances at today’s meeting:
Race 3 – DECISIVE LASS – Y. Lewis +0.5kg.
 
LUDWIG in race 2, was a late withdrawal at 7:40am. Trainer L. Gough was reprimanded pursuant to LR68(1) for failing to withdraw the horse by the prescribed time.
 
Trainer D. G. Murphy was reprimanded pursuant to LR 67(1) for the late declaration of A. Allen as the rider of BOVIDAE in Race 7. Ms Murphy’s clear record was taken into account when considering penalty.
 
Stewards permitted Apprentice R. Thorburn to be the replacement rider on Rylov in race 6. Apprentice C. Vitler was subsequently fined $200 pursuant to AR127(1) for failing to fulfill a riding engagement.

 

RACE 1: GOLD COAST BOWLS & COMMUNITY CLUB MAIDEN PLATE         2208 M

O'CALDINO – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
CIRCUS MAXIMUS – App C. Vitler reported the gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages, however; when placed under pressure did not respond riding and proved disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
GREEN CHAI – Began awkwardly and shifted in. Rider S. Rutledge pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using her whip on 12 occasions prior to the 100m. Rider Rutledge’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 9 days to commence midnight 12th July 2025 and to expire midnight 21st July 2025. When considering penalty, account was taken of her guilty plea, good record in relation to this rule and the QRIC whip penalty guidelines.
 
SCUTI – Reared on jumping and was slow to begin.
 
STATE OF AFFAIRS – Raced keenly and middle stages. Raced wide without cover from the 1000m. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
KALBAR QUEEN – Raced wide middle stages. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
CLASSIC SHIRAZ – Held up from passing the 600m and approaching the 500m, improved on the heels of CIRCUS MAXIMUS and eased. Laid in under pressure from the 200m.


RACE 2: MAKER'S MARK MAIDEN PLATE    1400 M
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately 6 minutes owing to FLASH ONE HEY and SANS EGAL requiring farrier attention behind the gates. Both horses underwent a veterinary examination.  
 
MUSTANG SNOOKS – Approaching the 900m, steadied when racing tight to inside of ROSSO LEVANTO, which in turn was racing tight to the inside of A ROYAL SORT, which in turn was awkwardly placed closed to the heels of SANS EGAL(K Zechner), which shifted in. Rider K Zecher was advised to exercise greater care.
 
BERTUS – On jumping away bumped with SANS EGAL.
 
 
BROCKAGH BOY – Began awkwardly. Passing the 300m was eased down. Rider D Turner could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Trainer J Bellamy was notified the gelding must perform to satisfaction of Stewards in an Official trial prior to racing again.
 
 
FLASH ONE HEY – Lost near hind plate en-route to barrier. Slow to begin.
 
ROSSO LEVANTO (NZ) – Held up for clear running from the 500m until passing the 300m.
 
SKIEDA – Slow to begin. Raced wide without cover throughout. App S Callow reported despite travelling wide without cover, the mare did not let down as expected and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. Trainer D. Vandyke notified the mare will now be spelled.
 
CASTELVETRANO – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
SANS EGAL – Lost near fore plate en-route to barriers. Began awkwardly shifted in and bumped BERTUS.
 
RACE 3: GCTC INDUSTRY AWARDS AUGUST 21 CLASS 4 HANDICAP   1000 M
 
PATINO RUBY – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination as the mare had not raced for an extended period. Began with its head up and was slow to begin.
 
MOUETTE – For a short distance passing the 800m, raced tight to the inside of HIDDEN MELODY(App S Champkin) and was obliged to relinquish its position. App S Champkin was severely reprimand under AR131(a).


RACE 4: MRA ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION CLASS 1 PLATE    1800 M

ROTHSPHENE – Laid in under pressure from the 200m.
 
SACRED TED (NZ) – Got its head up and raced ungenerously in the early stages. Lost its off fore plate in running. Rider J. Morris pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using his whip on 7 occasions prior to the 100m, 17 in totality. Rider Morris’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 days to commence midnight Saturday 5th July 2025 and to expire midnight Saturday 12th July 2025. When considering penalty, account was taken of his guilty plea, record in relation to this rule and the QRIC whip penalty guidelines.
 
SWIPER – On jumping away was hampered when tightened between I AIN’T CHICKEN and VREDEFORT, both shifted ground. Raced wide without cover for a majority of the event. App M. Philpot could offer not explanation for the disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
BETTER DRAW (NZ) – App R Thorburn could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of the gelding.
 
SANCTUARY STORM – Rider M Hellyer reported it was not his intention to be forward, however; when wide and inside runners did now show intention to go forward, he elected to do so. He added the gelding failed to respond to his riding from the 800m and was disappointing in its performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
 
VREDEFORT (NZ) - Rider A. Allen could offer no explanation the explanation for the disappointing performance of the gelding.
 
MAURITA – For a short distance approaching the 200m, raced tight between VREDEFORT & ROTHSPHENE, which was laying in despite the efforts of App C. Baker.
 
PLANNED ENCOUNTER (NZ) – When asked about the somewhat improved performance, Trainer N Hocking explained at its most recent start the mare was caught wide and consequently weakened from the race. He said the mare was bred to race over further distance, and its first start after a break was over an unsuitable distance of 1200m, followed by its most recent start, where it was caught wide throughout. He added today’s distance was more suitable and with the addition of ear muffs, its performance was not surprising.
 
LORD VADER – En-route to barriers flipped dislodging rider D. Turner. Rider D Turner was examined by QAS personnel and cleared to fulfill remaining riding engagements. A pre-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be lame in the near-hindleg. LORD VADER was declared a late withdrawal at 1:37pm.
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on LORD VADER  be refunded, with the following deductions to apply:

1st      PLANNED ENCOUNTER  0c       1c      
2nd     SACRED TED                              1c      
3rd     ALL ABOUT ARTIE                      1c     
 
Trainer A. Plumb was advised the gelding would require a veterinary clearance prior to competing to the satisfaction of Stewards in an Official trial.

RACE 5: JIM BEAM OPEN HANDICAP  1200 M

RISE OF THE MASSES – Near the 250m laid in onto the heels of ZOUMETEOR, which shifted out slightly and then passing the 200m, shifted to the outside of the field to obtain clear running.
 
LIVING FREE – Slow to begin.
 
ZOUMETEOR – App R Thorburn was only able to claim 1.5kg of his 2kg allowance. Subsequently, he was fined $200 pursuant to AR143(14)(a).
 
LJUNGBERG – Began awkwardly.
 

RACE 6: SPRING CARNIVAL ON SALE NOW CLASS 3 PLATE    1300 M

 
HAYAKU – Raced 3 wide without cover for a majority of the event. Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
WAR DRAMA (NZ) – Passing the 1100m was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOING TO THE SUN. Approaching the 200m was steadied across the heels of PRIVATE TENDER and shifted out to obtain clear running.
 
PRIVATE TENDER – A post-race veterinary examination of the gelding, which was eased down over the concluding stages, revealed the gelding to be lame in the off hindleg. Trainer P. Robl was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to future race start or trial.
 
RYLOV – Lost its off fore plate in running. App R Thorburn was severely reprimanded pursuant to AR132(7)(a)(ii) for using his whip in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.
 
NIGHTCAPPED – Near the 1200m steadied when racing tight to the inside of NAILS AND PRIDE(D Piesley), which was shifting in. Rider D Piesley was reprimanded pursuant to AR131(a). When racing keenly passing the 900m, was steadied to avoid the heels of RESURRECTED, which was steading in front.
 
GOING TO THE SUN – Approaching the 800m momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of MISS SHU(B Lerena), which shifted in. Rider B Lerena was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
 

RACE 7: TAB WE'RE ON BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP         1800 M

BOVIDAE – Raced 3 wide without cover.
 
CHASING JACKLEY – As the start was effected, reared and lost ground. Had difficulty obtaining clear running from the 300m until passing the 100m.
 
LUTON HOO (NZ) – Raced 3 wide without cover for a majority of the event and extremely wide rounding the home turn.
 
TORQUE LEICA STAR – Slow to begin. Raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1500m was steadied when racing tight between CHASING JACKLEY and ADELAD.
 
ADELAD – Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.
 
SLY CORNER (NZ) – Change of tactics – from wide barrier will look for cover, settled towards the rear.
 
ARIAT – Laid in under pressure in the straight.
 
FIREBOLT – Slow to begin.
 
KOVANOS – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination, which revealed the mare to have blood in the off-side nostril. Declared a late withdrawal at 3:10pm. Stable employee T. Pollard was advised the mare would require a veterinary clearance prior to future race start or trial.
 
ARATIRI – Trainer S Morrisey advised the filly was found wanting over the distance and would now be spelled. A post-race veterinary examination no abnormalities.
 

RACE 8: GOLD COAST BOWLS & COMMUNITY CLUB BENCHMARK 62 HANDICAP      1200 M

BOLD JULIUS – Began awkwardly. Held up from near the 450m until the 250m.
 
AITUTAKI – Began awkwardly. Held up rounding the home turn until near the 250m. After beginning well, settled in a more forward position.
 
GRAND METEOR – Raced 3 wide without cover for a majority of the event.
 
ELECTRIC ARROW – After beginning well settled in a more forward position.
 
FAMOUS PEDRILLE – Lost off hind plate in running. Laid out rounding the home turn.
 
ECHO HUNTER – Slow to begin.
 
FREELAND – Raced 3 wide without cover in the middle stages. Raced wide rounding the home turn.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
 
Race 2 – Trainer L. Gough – LR68(1) – Failed to scratch LUDWIG by the prescribed time – Reprimand
Race 3 – Apprentice S. Champkin AR131(a) Careless Riding – Shifted in when not fully clear – Severe Reprimand.
Race 4 – Rider J. Morris AR115(1)(a) – Misconduct using inappropriate language in mounting yard - Reprimand
Race 6 – Apprentice R. Thorburn - AR132(7)(a)(i) – Use of whip in consecutive strides - Reprimand
Race 6 – Rider D. Piesley – AR131(a) Careless Riding – Shifted in when not fully clear – Reprimand
Race 7 – Trainer D. G. Murphy – LR67(1) – Late declaration on BOVIDAE – Reprimand


Fines
 
Race 5 – Apprentice R. Thorburn - AR143(14)(a) – Unable to claim full allowance. $200
Race 6 - Apprentice C. Vitler – AR127(1) – Failed to fulfill riding engagement. $200

Suspensions

Race 1 – Rider S. Rutledge – AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of the whip 12 times prior to 100m– 9 days commencing m/n 12th July and expiring m/n 21st July.
Race 4 – Rider J. Morris - AR132(7)(a)(ii) – Use of the whip 7 times prior to 100m, 17 in totality – 7 days commencing m/n 5th July and expiring m/n 12th July.
 

Race day injuries/illness

D Turner – Right knee


Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses sampled pre-race:
Race 1 – GREEN CHAI, KALBAR QUEEN
Race 2 – ROSSO LEVANTO
Race 4 – SACRED TED, SANCTUARY STORM
Race 7 – LUTON HOO
 
Horses sampled post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
 
Race 2 – BROCKAGH BOY – Poor performance – Official Trial
Race 4 – LORD VADER – Lame near-hind (late scratching) – Veterinary Clearance
Race 4 – LORD VADER – Pre-Race Behavior (late scratching) – Official Trial
Race 6 – PRIVATE TENDER – Lame off-hind - Veterinary Clearance
Race 7 – KOVANOS – Blood in right nostril (late scratching) – Veterinary Clearance


Summary of rider changes/Late notifications

 
Race 4:         17e LORD VADER - Dylan Turner
Race 6:         8 RYLOV - Rob Thorburn (a2/52kg),
                     20e CRAZY EYED FRED - Dan McGillivray
Race 7:         1 BOVIDAE - Anthony Allen
Race 8:         16e ECHO HUNTER - Ms Montana Philpot (a2/50kg),
                     17e FREELAND - Anthony Allen

Late scratchings
 
 
Race 2:         7 LUDWIG at 7.40am – Failed to scratch
Race 4:         17 LORD VADER at 1:37pm – Vets advice
Race 7:         13 KOVANOS(NZ) at 3:10pm – Vets advice



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.