QUEENSLAND RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
STEWARDS REPORT
TOOWOOMBA
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2026
 
 
WEATHER –     Showers, Fog (Heavy fog R2.)           
TRACK RATING – Soft 7, Downgraded to a Heavy 8 at 4:05pm (prior to R1). Downgraded to a Heavy 9 at 7:30pm (following R4).
RAIL – +1.5
PENETROMETER – 6.0

OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – A. Streckbein
Stewards – J. Childs, Z. Lines, D. MacDonald, A. Cuckson

GENERAL
 
Due to the inclement weather which had affected the running of several race meetings in the Southeast Queensland region, Stewards accepted the explanations tendered by trainers for late declaration of their riders for this meeting.
 
Rider J. Molloy was permitted to ride Race 2. AZUKI and Race 5. COOLZCANBE +1kg over their handicapped weight.
 
As rider G. Cartwright was unavailable for Race 1. She was replaced by A. Allen. All other rider changes made as per the Raceday Summary below.
 
Rider A. Allen was spoken to advisedly for arriving late on course for Race 1.
 
Rider G. Cartwright was reprimanded under LR.48 for leaving the course without permission of Stewards.
 
Race 1 - 1 EQUINE - FOR THE EQUINE ATHLETE BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP      1200 M
 
Prior to correct weight being declared, rider L. Tilley (LADY WILLPOWER, 2nd place), viewed the official photo finish before agreeing with the judge’s numbers.
 
HEROIC CHIEF – Began awkwardly. Hampered shortly after the start between EVERYWHERE which had shifted out and ABASSADORS, which had shifted in. Laid out under pressure in the straight. Near the 150m, when laying out was eased and shifted in and away from the heels of EVERYWHERE, which had shifted in.
 
KINGSLAND – Began awkwardly. Rider A. Allen expressed satisfaction with the performance of the gelding. He added that it was not his intention to lead but from the inside draw he was able to settle further forward due to the tempo of the race in the early stages.
 
ULUWATU – Apprentice S. Potter reported that the gelding failed to travel through the middle stages of the event and was disappointing when placed under pressure when entering the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
SMART RECOGNITION – Began awkwardly then restrained to settle at the rear of the field. Raced keenly getting its head up whilst being restrained in the early stages. Tactics queried. Apprentice S. Callow explained she was instructed from the draw to ride the gelding further back in the field, get him to settle and allow him to finish off. She added that the stable indicated that the gelding was ridden in a similar manner over 1000m at Stanthorpe 17/10/26. Stewards noted her comments.
 
EVERYWHERE – Shifted out shortly after the start bumping HEROICE CHIEF. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. Passing the 150m commenced to shift in under pressure.

LADY WILLPOWER – In the early stages got it’s head up on a number of occasions whilst being restrained. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
 
BLERIOT – Raced wide without cover for the majority of the event. Eased down over the final 100m. Rider K. Yoshida was at a loss to explain the performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.
 
EINSTAG – Slow to begin. Shortly after the start commenced to over race until approaching the 800m. Passing the 1000m, when over racing had to be steadied after improving close to the heels of AMBASSADORS.
 
Rider G. Geran pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(ii). The particulars being that he used his whip on 8 occasions prior to the 100m and 17 times in total. G. Geran’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 days to commence midnight 24 October 2026 and conclude midnight 1 November 2026, eligible to resume 2 November 2026. In assessing penalty Stewards considered his guilty plea, record and the Penalty Guidelines for Whip Rule Breaches.

Race 2 - FOCUS HR BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP 1300 M
 
As the horses were leaving the mounting yard fog began to settle over large sections of the course reducing the visibility. Stewards, in consultation with the riding group agreed that although visibility was reduced, it was still safe to continue to race. This was reconfirmed with riders when the horses arrived at the barriers and with Stewards situated around the course confirming suitable visibility.
 
CELESTIAL HARBOUR - Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after having not raced since September 2025 and passed fit to start.
 
KADALL – Raced wide without cover through the middle stages. Rider J. Lloyd reported that in his opinion the gelding didn’t handle today’s heavy track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slower than normal recovery and bilateral discharge. Trainer K. Clark-Peoples was advised the gelding will require a veterinary clearance inclusive of an endoscopic examination.  
 
CONNECTICUT – Improved performance. Co trainer C. Geran was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the gelding which was first up from a short let up.
 
MISHANI PRINCE – Raced wide without cover throughout.
 
CRACKER ESSGEE - Laid in over the concluding stages and then shifted in abruptly having to be corrected by it’s rider whilst passing the winning post.
 

Race 3 - EMPIRE OF JAPAN STANDING AT HOPETOUN FARM MAIDEN PLATE            1300 M
 
Horses entered the mounting yard late as Stewards were accessing the visibility as fog continued to be present. When it was deemed still safe to continue racing with the fog lifting slightly, horses entered the yard. As a result of this slight delay, along with M. Apel being assessed by QAS staff at the barriers the start was delayed by approximately 3 minutes.
 
CHEEKOSWAY – Slow to begin. Passing the 200m shifted in to attempt to maintain clear running. Near the 150m was eased and carried in slightly by ONLYYOUCANREAD, which was laying in. Passing the 75m was steadied when in restricted room between runners. Tacticsqueried. Apprentice S. Callow explained she was instructed to ride the gelding in a similar manner as it was ridden to at its previous start with her aboard, in that she was to allow the gelding to find its feet and shift to the rail and be strong late. When questioned in relation to the decision to shift from a three wide trailing position following favored runner OLNYYOUCANREAD to the fence. Apprentice S. Callow reiterated that the instructions were to shift close to the rail and so even on a heavy track, she elected to shift in to comply with instructions. She added that the gelding only travelled fairly in the middle stages, so she elected to shift out to give CHEEKOSWAY an opportunity to run on when placed under full pressure. Although Stewards accepted the explanation tendered advised S. Callow that it may have been best to have maintained her position that she had established earlier in the race.

CHOP CHOP GO – Fractious in the mounting yard whilst parading, once mounted apprentice M. Apel was dislodged before entering the course. Although she indicated she was harmlessly dislodged, Stewards requested she be assessed by QAS when arriving at the barriers. Trainer R. Beaton was advised a warning will be placed on the gelding for it’s pre-race behaviour. Shortly after the start raced in restricted room to the inside of STAR OF ASCOT, then was bumped by that gelding on a number of occasions (O. Kendal). Apprentice O. Kendal was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground.
 
NARROW OPENINGS – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination due to being an unraced 5yo and passed fit to start. Began very awkwardly. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages and raced wide and without cover throughout.

ONLYYOUCANREAD - Near the 350m laid in and had to be steadied when close to the heels of CHOP CHOP GO. Laid in under pressure in the home straight. QOP drifter $3.5-$5.5. Rider G. Geran expressed satisfaction with the performance of the gelding, which was first up from a spell. He added that in his opinion, the gelding was not entirely comfortable on the heavy track conditions and raced greenly when placed under pressure. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Rider G. Geran was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR132(7)(a)(i) for using his whip in consecutive strides on one occasion prior to the 100m mark.
 
STAR OF ASCOT – Bumped with CHOP CHOP GO on a number of occasions shortly after the start.
 
OUR JANDY – Slow to begin.
 
STAFFO – Raced wide without cover throughout. QOP firmer $31-$7.5. Performed below market expectations. Apprentice J. Metcalfe explained that shortly after the start her saddle slipped to the side, which placed her at a disadvantage throughout the event. She added that as she was trying to maintain balance and to avoid causing interference, she maintained a wide position throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities.       
 
Following the running of this race some riders expressed concerns with the track due to the kickback and reduced visibility. Stewards inspected the surface and were satisfied that although it was deteriorating, it was still safe and suitable to race. Stewards advised the riders which had expressed concerns that they will continue to monitor the track and consult with them in relation to visibility throughout the meeting.

Race 4 - K & R PLUMBING SUPPLIES CLASS 4 HANDICAP              1100 M

BEWS  - Approached the 250m dipped in the going. Rider K. Yoshida reported that in his opinion his mount didn’t handle the heavy track conditions.
 
SHE CONQUERS – Performed below market expectations. Rider L. Tilley reported that the mare, which was first up from a spell and in the care of a new trainer, would derive benefit from today’s first up run. He added that in his opinion the mare didn’t handle the heavy track conditions and would likely appreciate a step up in distance at its next start. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.
 
PERLE DE CHOCOLAT – Raced keenly in the lead. Rider A. Allen reported that after beginning fairly, he gave his mount a squeeze and when PERLE DE CHOCOLAT responded, it allowed him to lead in the event as anticipated. He added though, that once the mare obtained the lead, he was unable to get her to relax underneath him and as a result went at a tempo that was faster than he would have liked resulting in the mare weakening over the concluding stages.
 
VESPER LYND – Slow to begin.
 
Following the running of the race the track was further down-graded to a Heavy 9 at 7.30pm.       

Race 5 - SUB- ZERO AIRCONDITIONING MAIDEN PLATE 870 M
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately 4 mins due to OVER THE LIMIT being unable to be loaded.
 
OVER THE LIMIT – Declared a late scratching at 7.59pm. Stewards ordered the following deductions:
1st Win – 23c, Place – 9c
2nd                       Place – 29c
3rd                       Place – 27c
 
Stewards spoke with the Starter, M. Savva rider of OVER THE LIMIT and trainer S. Hardy in relation to the gelding and it being unable to be loaded. After considering all the evidence, along with this being its first attempt at racing since being reinstated for the same issue. Stewards advised S. Hardy that OVER THE LIMIT was now suspended from racing and must compete in 2 consecutive barrier certificates, with a minimum of 1 being at an official trial.
 
MEAN MAHAL – Raced greenly under pressure in the straight.
 
TROOPER SAM – Began awkwardly. Raced wide without cover throughout. Performed below market expectations. Rider G. Cartwright was at a loss to explain the performance other than the gelding may have not been entirely comfortable in the heavy track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.
 
DEMES GIRL – Began awkwardly and as a result was slow into stride. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Held up for clear running for a short distance rounding the home turn. Approaching the 200m, shifted out in an attempt to establish full running and was steadied and then restrained when in restricted room. Passing the 150m, shifted out abruptly to avoid heels. Stewards spoke to R. Wilson (DEMES GIRL), G. Cartwright (TROOPER SAM), J. Molloy (COOLAZCANBE), K. Yoshida (MISHPAT) and J. Lloyd (TROY BOY) in relation to interference from the 200m until passing the 150m. It was established that at a point near the 200m DEMES GIRL, which had been held up, attempted a neat run between MISHPAT and COOLAZCANBE. Further as DEMES GIRL started to secure clear running both MISHPAT and COOLAZCANBE shifted ground marginally with TROOPER SAM maintaining a tight line to the outside of COOLAZCANBE where both horses made contact with each other. A short distance later K. Yoshida (MISHPAT) attempted to shift in to assist his fellow rider was eased as TROY BOY (J. Lloyd) then shifted out under riding preventing MISHPAT from shifting in further. Passing the 150m when DEMES GIRL lost full running R. Wilson checked and shifted out abruptly to avoid racing close to heels. Stewards could not lay the blame of this incident on any one rider, so advised all riders concerned to exercise far greater care when in similar circumstances.
 
MISHPAT – Near the 150m raced in restricted room and was eased when close to the heels of TROY BOY (J. Lloyd). J. Lloyd was advised to exercise more care.

TROY BOY – Shifted out under riding approaching the 150m.
 
COOLAZCANBE – Laid in throughout. Raced tight to the inside of TROOPER SAM from the 200m. Bumped with TROOPER SAM on a number of occasions.
 
Following the running of this race riders expressed concerns with a section of the track near the crossing that had been noted as a potential issue when horses headed to the barriers for this event. A cohort of senior riders and Stewards inspected this section of track where remedial work was conducted by the Toowoomba Turf Club staff. Following this work, Stewards and riders agreed it was suitable to continue racing.
 
Stewards interviewed trainer S. Hardy in relation to his conduct in the mounting yard, in particular the manner in which he spoke to rider M. Savva when she returned from the start. Stewards reminded him of his obligations to conduct himself in a manner which is appropriate. In not taking the matter further Stewards noted S. Hardy’s remorse for his actions.


Race 6 - KENNARDS HIRE BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP   870 M
 
Due to the track inspection being conducted, the horses entered the mounting yard and proceeded to the barrier late which caused a delay to the start by approximately 5 minutes.

IGOTMYMINDONYOU – Laid out under pressure in the home straight.

SILK SONIC – Rider J. Lloyd reported that over the concluding stages the mare felt uncomfortable in its action. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no apparent abnormalities. Stewards spoke with K. Clark-Peoples who reported that SILK SONIC had worked well on the Tuesday prior to the race, and she was expecting a forward showing. She advised that the mare had returned to the stable in good order and that she would provide any further updates regarding SILK SONIC to the Stewards.
 
EYE WANTED - Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination after not racing since January 2025 and was cleared to start. Began awkwardly. Lost contact with the bulk of the field despite the riders effort. Apprentice S. Callow reported that the mare dropped the bit early in the event and was under pressure throughout. She added that in her opinion the mare will derive benefit from the first up run and a step up in distance. Trainer K. Kemp was advised a warning would be placed on the mare due to being uncompetitive.  

Race 7 - HANNAS TOOWOOMBA BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP              1900 M
 
The start of this race was delayed approximately 8 mins. This delay was caused by the horses entering the mounting yard late from the previous delays and CONEY ISLAND BABY being relucted to proceed to the barriers. Following this CONEY ISLAND BABY was then unable to be loaded. Due to the position of the barriers on the course, the start was again delayed further to allow CONEY ISLAND BABY to be returned to the mounting yard safely. Trainer K. Clark-Peoples was advised that CONEY ISLAND BABY was warned for its pre-race manners, further she was advised that CONEY ISLAND BABY is now suspended for 2 consecutive barrier certificates due to being unable to be loaded where a minimum of 1 must be an official trial.
 
CONEY ISLAND BABY – Declared a late scratching for refusing to load at 9.02pm, deductions as follows:
1st Win - 18c, Place -15c
2nd                      Place – 19c
3rd                      No 3rd Dividend
 
MARAVICH (IRE) – Raced keenly in the early and middle stages.

LITTLE VAIN – Began awkwardly then hampered shortly after the start when bumped and becoming unbalanced.  
 
FLIRTING WITH FIRE (NZ) – Raced keenly early and then commenced to over race whilst being restrained. Raced keenly in the middle stages. Rider G. Geran was at a loss to explain the performance. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.  Co-trainer C. Geran reported that consideration of the racing future of the mare in his stable would be assessed over the coming days.
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 3. G. Geran – consecutive whip use – Severe - AR132(7)(a)(i)
Race 7.  G. Cartwright  - Leaving Racecourse without Permission of Stewards – LR 48

Suspensions
 
Race 1 – G. Geran – 8 Day, AR132(7)(a)(ii). Midnight 24/10/26- midnight 1/11/126
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
KINGSLAND, LADY WILPOWER, KADALL, CRACKER ESSGEE, SHE CONQUERS, KIRKSVILLE

Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 2. KADALL – Veterinary certificate with endoscopic scope results
Race 3. CHOP CHOP GO – Pre race behaviour, warned
Race 5. OVER THE LIMIT – Unable to be loaded 2x consecutive barrier certificates (min 1 trial)
Race 6. EYE WANTED – Uncompetitive, warned
Race 8. CONEY ISLAND BABY - Pre race behaviour, warned
Race 8. CONEY ISLAND BABY - Unable to be loaded 2x consecutive barrier certificates (min 1 trial)
 
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
 
Race 1:             1 HEROIC CHIEF - Ms Olivia Kendal (a1.5/52kg),
                            3 KINGSLAND - Anthony Allen
                            5 SMART RECOGNITION - Ms Stacey Callow (a1.5/49kg),
                            6 AMBASSADORS - Jake Molloy
Race 2:             1 THE DEPUTY (NZ) - Ms Sophie Potter (a2/56kg),
Race 3:             8 STAR OF ASCOT - Ms Olivia Kendal (a1.5/52kg),
                            10 OUR JANDY - Les Tilley
                            12e STAFFO - Ms Jade Metcalfe (a3/45kg),
Race 4:             7 VESPER LYND - Ms McKenzie Apel (a2/53kg),
Race 7:             4 LITTLE VAIN - Kenji Yoshida
                            8 BOLERO - Dan McGillivray

Late scratchings
Race 5. OVER THE LIMIT @7:59pm
Race 8. CONEY ISLAND BABY @9:02pm

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.