QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

 
WEATHER –Overcast
TRACK RATING –Soft 5; upgraded to Good 4 at 12:00 noon.
RAIL – True Entire Course
PENETROMETER – 5.6

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R. Neal
Stewards – D. Griffiths, P. Warren, J. McIntosh, S. Nosworthy
 
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
 
Tuesday 27/05/2025 – Race 6: LADBROKES QUICK MULTI BENCHMARK 55 Handicap – 1000M
 
Stewards today inquired into an incident passing the 150 metres where FAITH OVER FEAR (Chris Meehan) attempted to improve to the inside of GABBY’S READY (Wanderson D’Avila) leaving the 200 metres. After questioning both riders and reviewing vision of the incident it was determined that rider Meehan had attempted to improve into a run which had not fully developed and in consequence, he made resultant contact with GABBY’S READY which was unbalanced. It was further established that rider Meehan had some difficulty withdrawing out of his position due to GABBY’S READY yielding ground and FAITH OVER FEAR proving difficult to restrain. Given all circumstances rider Meehan was severely reprimanded under AR131a and firmly reminded of his obligations when in similar circumstances.
 
 
GENERAL
 
1.    Prior to the running of Race 1, the track was upgraded to a Good 4.
 
2.    Veterinary clearances were provided prior to the start of the meeting by Trainers Megan Purvis (IL FAGIOLO) and Les Gordy (ALLEZ PARIS)
 
3.    Stewards accepted the following overweights:
          Race 2. Adam Sewell (FANCIFUL MR FOX) +0.5kg
          Race 2. Chris Meehan (THE SEEKER) +1.0kg
          Race 7. Ryan Wiggins (LIDDER VALLEY) +1.0kg
          Race 8. Denicious Smith (LOST MY NIGHTIE) +1.0kg
          Race 8. Graham Kliese (NEGATION) +1.0kg
 
 
Race 1: LADBROKES FORM GENIUS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD Maiden Plate 1400M

SWATOW – Laid out under pressure over the concluding stages having to be continually straightened.
 
YOUNG EXPRESS – Began awkwardly. Compounded from the 600 metres and was not persevered with thereafter. A post-race veterinary examination revealed soreness in the near fore fetlock. Trainer Rodney Miller will be advised that YOUNG EXPRESS would require a veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
 
DUBALENE – Proved difficult to load delaying the start. Trainer’s representative Martin Haley was advised a warning would be placed on DUBALENE’s barrier manners. Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Commenced to hang out passing the 600 metres. Stewards noted rider Olivia Kendal exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m (+2) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use, no further action was taken.
 
MISHANI AMORE – Proved difficult to load delaying the start. Trainer Ms. Tracy Simmons was advised a warning would be placed on MISHANI AMORE’s barrier manners.

 
Race 2: HATCHETT ST HEROES BENCHMARK 60 Handicap 1609M

MISSION HOUSE – Raced wide in the early stages.
 
SET THE SAILS – Raced ungenerously in the early and middle stages.
 
KIDSTON – Bumped with THE SEEKER on jumping. Raced very keenly in the early stages proving difficult to restrained. Over-raced in the lead for the majority.  Yielded ground in the final straight. When questioned on the performance, Jockey Graham Kliese stated the gelding had failed to come off the bridle at any stage which in his opinion had been detrimental to its chances.
 
THE SEEKER – Bumped with KIDSTON on jumping.
 

Race 3: SOPHIA MABEL & THE CUDDLIES MAIDEN Handicap 1000M
 
The start of this race was delayed after ONE SHOT MORE was loaded into the incorrect barrier. Given all circumstances, the Stewards determined no further action was required other than to remind the Starter of their obligations when loading horses away.

SAVVY MONK (NZ) – Bumped with PARDON THE PURR shortly after the start.
 
BIG DEMEANOR – Badly blundered on jumping away.
 
BINGHAMTON – Severely hampered on jumping. Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
GONCALO – Slow to begin.
 
IL FAGIOLO – Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection having not raced for an extended period and was passed fit to race. Raced wide throughout.
 
TOO MUCH GOLD – Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection having not raced for an extended period and was passed fit to race. Began very awkwardly and bumped heavily with HOLD MY HALO.
 
VAGABOND PRINCE – Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection having not raced for an extended period and was passed fit to race. Began very awkwardly and shifted out severely hampering BINGHAMTON. Raced wide throughout.
 
PARDON THE PURR – Bumped with SAVVY MONK (NZ) shortly after the start. Raced wide throughout.
 
STARMEIRA – Began very awkwardly. Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
HOLD MY HALO – Bumped heavily with TOO MUCH GOLD on jumping. Raced wide throughout. Saddle shifted back leaving the 300 metres with Apprentice Olivia Kendal being unable to ride the filly out over the concluding stages.
 
ONE SHOT MORE – Rider Raul Olivera was firmly reminded of his obligations to ride fully to the line when circumstances permit after relaxing his ride approaching the post. Stewards were satisfied that Jockey Olivera’s inaction had not compromised his finishing position.    
 
On returning to scale, rider Michael McDonald became unwell, and after being attended to by the on-course QAS Medical personnel was stood-down from his remaining engagements. Rider McDonald was advised that he would be required to provide a medical clearance prior to riding again.  
 
 
Race 4: RJ & THE FOOT-TAY QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD Handicap 1000M

HELL OF A BENTLEY – Underwent a pre-race veterinary inspection having not raced for an extended period and was passed fit to race. Adam Sewell replaced Michael McDonald.
 
SMART MISSION – Slow to begin. Improved onto heels of THOREMDOUS MISS approaching the winning post and had to be steadied.
 
TIME TO PROPHET – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn before bumping with HELL OF A BENTLEY at the 300 metres.
 
FLYING ANIMO – FLYING ANIMO was declared a late scratching at 2:52pm after refusing to load into the barriers.  Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on FLYING ANIMO be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st HAND GRANADE 48c win, 32c place
2nd THORMENDOUS MISS 27c place
3rd TIME TO PROPHET 29c place
 
Trainer Mr Ricky Vale was advised that FLYING ANIMO must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.
 
OUTBID – OUTBID was declared a late scratching at 2:50pm after breaking through the barriers and travelling an excessive distance before being recaptured.  Prior to the declaration of correct weight, Stewards ordered that all bets placed on FLYING ANIMO be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
 
1st HAND GRANADE 1c win, 1c place
2nd THORMENDOUS MISS 1c place
3rd TIME TO PROPHET 2c place
 
Trainer Mr. Graham Hughes was advised that OUTBID must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to racing again.
 
ALLEZ PARIS – Over-raced in the lead throughout.
 
Following the event spoke the Stewards inquired in the processes employed when attempting to load FLYING ANIMO into the barriers. The outcome being that the Stewards will follow up with the club regarding the starting processes adopted by barrier staff.  
 
 
Race 5: THE DEFIANT O'BRIEN'S BENCHMARK 70 Handicap 1000M

YOUR TOO GOOD – Had to be re-saddled upon arrival at the barriers. Raced wide throughout. Contacted heavily passing the 100 metres, becoming unbalanced and losing ground.
 
KISS ME LATER – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn.
 
BEAUTY BOOM – Bumped heavily with HEAD HONCHO on jumping. Raced wide with cover throughout. Bumped rounding the home turn.
 
LOUD NOISE – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn.
 
OBLIGATED – Held up for clear running in the early part of the home straight. passing the 200 metres, after improving into a narrow run between YOUR TOO GOOD and VIBURNUM, was placed in restricted room for a distance when YOUR TOO GOOD and VIBURNUM both shifted ground marginally. In consequence OBLIGATED became unbalanced and shifting out, bumping heavily with the hindquarters of YOUR TOO GOOD, which was badly unbalanced, and NO LOVE LOST, which travelling in behind being severely checked. Given all circumstances the Stewards determined no one rider culpable and no further action was required.
 
HEAD HONCHO – Collided with BEAUTY BOOM on jumping. Raced wide with cover throughout. Bumped rounding the home turn.
 
YOU ARE KING – Raced wide with cover throughout. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages. Rider Wanderson D’Avila dropped his whip passing the 200 metres.
 
NO LOVE LOST – Held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Severely checked passing the 75 metres.
 
ALBANIAN BAY - Raced very wide throughout. Laid in rounding the home turn bumping with BEAUTY BOOM which in turn bumped with HEAD HONCHO.
 
NANO STAR – Began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly before being corrected by its rider.
 

Race 6: LADY OF VICTORIES RATINGS BAND 0 - 55 Handicap 1400M

MR CALEB – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination upon arrival to the barriers and was passed fit to start. Crowded shortly after leaving the barriers and lost ground. Disappointed for a run approaching the 150 metres before shifting across heels to improve passing the 75 metres. 
 
WAR COUNCIL – Began awkwardly and shifted out hampering SAVVY THINKER, then became unbalanced and blundered momentarily. Laid out rounding the final turn. Rider Ryan Wiggins was firmly reminded of his obligations to ride fully to the line when circumstances permit after relaxing his ride approaching the post narrowly retaining fourth place. Stewards noted rider Wiggins exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m (+1) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use, no further action was taken.
 
BELMONT PARK – Was declared a late scratching at 11:55am after sustaining a laceration to the near-side hind fetlock while being transported to the meeting.
 
SAVVY THINKER – Hampered on jumping.
 
CONVERTOR – Shifted in on jumping tightening UNDER THE SHADOW. Laid in though the early part of the home straight.
 
LOOMING ONE – Raced wide throughout.
 
UNDER THE SHADOW – Tightened for room on jumping between LINE OF KINGS and CONVERTOR and lost ground. Lost its off-fore plate during the running.
 
LINE OF KINGS – Shifted out on jumping tightening UNDER THE SHADOW. Raced wide with cover throughout. Laid in though the early part of the home straight.
 
 
Race 7: LIAM O'BRIEN MEMORIAL OPEN Handicap 1200M

MISSILE THUNDER – Over-raced in the early and middle stages. Rider Sean Cormack reported at scale that MISSILE THUNDER refused to settle today.
 
PRIME RULER – Over-raced in the preliminary stages. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room for the majority of the final straight.
 
MASTER MONTARO – Laid in through the early part of the home straight.
 
OUTBACK ACTION – Bumped with BRINGYATICKET and was slow to begin. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
LIDDER VALLEY – Trainer Stephen Massingham advised that it is the intention for LIDDER VALLEY to be ridden midfield from the wide barrier if circumstances permit; ridden accordingly. Raced keenly in the early stages. Held up near the 200 metres before being taken wider into clear running.
 
VALENKI – Had to steady off heels passing the 75 metres and was unable to be fully tested to the line.
 
BRINGYATICKET – Bumped with OUTBACK ACTION and was slow to begin. Held up for the majority of the final straight and was unable to be fully tested by rider Olivia Kendal.
 
CHICKERARTIE – Stewards permitted CHICKERARTIE to race in winkers after reviewing documentation provided by Trainer Lachie Manzelmann which showed winkers being apart of its gear not withstanding this did not appear in publications. Stewards will follow this issue up with Racing Australia.
 
EARLY THOUGHTS – Raced wide throughout. When questioned regarding the improved performance, Trainer Julie Russell stated that EARLY THOUGHTS had benefitted from an increased workload.
 

Race 8: RHINESTONE NORTH COWBOYS QTIS CLASS 3 Handicap (QTIS BONUSES FOR 3,4&5YO'S)        1200M

GOING NUCLEAR – Raced wide throughout. Laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
 
ABSCONDED WITNESS – After leaving the 1,000 metres, shifted in abruptly and contacted the running rail and became unbalanced, losing ground.
 
LEAN EAGLE – Threw its head in the air shortly after the start and lost ground. Over-raced in the early stages.
 
TOW THE LINE – Bumped with LOST MY NIGHTIE on jumping. Contacted the running rail for some distance near the 800 metres when laying in.
 
RISKY INVESTMENT – Wanderson D’Avila replaced Michael McDonald. Crowded for room on jumping.
 
LOST MY NIGHTIE – Bumped with TOW THE LINE on jumping. Raced wide throughout.
 
NEGATION – Slow to begin.
 
IMPERIAL BLOSSOM – Raced wide with cover throughout.
 
TEQUILA DANCER – Raced wide throughout.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
(27/05/2025 Race 6). Rider Chris Meehan – [AR 131(a)] – careless riding.
 
Race day injuries/illness
Michael McDonald – Unwell after Race 3 – Medical clearance required.
 
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
FANCIFUL MR FOX, VAGABOND PRINCE, HELL OF A BENTLEY, YOUR TOO GOOD, BRINGYATICKET.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars
Race 1. DUBALENE – Difficult to load – Warning placed.
Race 1. MISHANI AMORE – Difficult to load – Warning placed.
Race 1. YOUNG EXPRESS – Lameness detected – Veterinary clearance required.
Race 4. FLYING ANIMO – Refused to load – Barrier certificate required.
Race 4. OUTBID – Broke through the barriers after loading – Barrier certificate required.
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 4. No 2. HELL OF A BENTLEY – Michael McDonald replaced by Adam Sewell.
Race 8. No 9. RISKY INVESTMENT – Michael McDonald replaced by Wanderson D’Avila.

Late scratchings
Race 6. No 3. BELMONT PARK – Injury while being transported to meeting – 11:55am
Race 4. No 5. FLYING ANIMO – Refused to load – 2:52pm
Race 4. No 8. OUTBID – Broke through the barriers after being loaded – 2:50pm


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.