QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
 
GREGORY DOWNS JOCKEY CLUB
 
SATURDAY 3rd MAY 2025
 
 
 
WEATHER – Fine             TRACK RATING – Dirt      RAIL – True.
 
PENETROMETER – N/A
 
OFFICIALS
 
STEWARDS PANEL; R Neal (Chair); S Nosworthy.
 
 
GENERAL
 
1.    The following horses were declared late scratching’s at 11:45pm due to there being no rider being available:
          R2: OFFANGO; QUINSTEP GIRL.
          R3: JAKAZONE.
          R4: SPOT ON SOPHIA; SHE’S REWARDING.
          R6: ROCKETING TO WIN.
 
2.    Stewards permitted the following overweights.
R3: Shae Neilsen (BOB’S LAST ONE) +1kg
R6: Shae Neilsen (BITTERBLUE (NZ) + 1.5kg
 
 
Race 1: BRODIE & CO QTIS MAIDEN PLATE 800M
 
EXECUTE – travelled wide throughout.
WHOLELOTTALOVE – began awkwardly; lay out rounding the final turn.
SEABEE – very slow to jump away.
BETHEHORSE – bounded in the air on jumping.
 
Race 2: CLEMMENTS ELECTRICAL / STABILISED PAVEMENTS AUSTRALIA BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1,000M
 
HI ZERO – travelled wide throughout.
PENNYPACKER – slow to begin; commenced to race keenly through the early stages, having to be steadied away from heels near the 700 metres.
MARREW FANCY NANCY - Stewards noted rider David Sparks exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m (+ two) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use no further action was taken.
POLLY HOFFA – was a late scratching on veterinary advice at 12:30pm after lameness was detected in the off-hind hoof as the filly was being prepared for its engagement. Trainer Ms. Tanya Parry was advised that a veterinary clearance was required prior to POLLY HOFFA racing next.
RUSTY ROSE – fractious prior to the start; stood flat-footed when the barriers were released losing considerable ground and effectively its chance. Given all circumstances, and particularly the lack of opportunities to barrier trial in the western regions, a final warning was placed on RUSTY ROSE’s barrier manners.
 
Race 3: MITECH BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1,150M
 
EYE SHOOT TO WIN – travelled wide throughout. Stewards questioned rider Jason Babarovich regarding the run of EYE SHOOT TO WIN which performed below market expectations, finishing well back. In explanation rider Babarovich stated that after jumping well and racing prominently, the gelding had failed to let down when pressured and was disappointing. Rider Babarovich added that, in his view, the firmness of today’s track had been detrimental to EYE SHOOT TO WIN’s chances. A post-race veterinary examination of EYE SHOOT TO WIN revealed no obvious abnormality.
SEIRYU – travelled wide throughout.
MISTER MODERATION – travelled wide throughout; Stewards questioned trainer Ms. Denise Ballard regarding the improved performance of MISTER MODERATION, which had finished back in its two previous starts. In explanation, Ms. Ballard stated that the gelding had been advantaged by the firmness of today’s surface, having won on the Gregory Downs track previously, and having historical form on dirt surfaces. Ms. Ballard’s explanation was noted.
FABULOUS HOFFA – bounded on jumping away.
BOB’S LAST ONE – crowded shortly after leaving the barriers and got back.
 
Race 4: CUSTOM STEEL FAB - KEVIN MALONE MEMORIAL BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1,300M
 
DREAM HIGH – rider Michael McDonald reported that the gelding never felt entirely comfortable racing on the firm track and may have jarred up. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any obvious abnormality.
JOY MCCOY (NZ) – held up rounding the final turn before obtaining clear running near the 200 metres.
THE BOI – travelled wide throughout.
FAR REACHING – began awkwardly and got back.
PROJECT XERO – went off-stride and lost momentum when struck with the whip leaving the 200 metres.
BITTERGREYMAGIC – travelled wide throughout.
 
 
Race 5: BURKSHIRE CUP / OUTBACK RACING SHOWCASE - HEAT - OPEN HANDICAP 1,300M
 
HANG FIVE – became fractious coincident to the Starter releasing the field, and when jumping away reared and contacted the barriers, badly unbalancing Apprentice Kayla Barker who was dislodged from the saddle. Ms. Barker maintained contact with HANG FIVE and prevented the gelding from escaping riderless. Ms. Barker was examined by the QAS Officers and stood down from her engagement in the final event after suffering a soft tissue injury to her left knee. Ms. Barker was advised that a medical clearance was required prior to her next riding. HANG FIVE was examined by the track veterinarian, with no abnormality being detected. Trainer Ms. Tanya Parry was advised that a warning had been placed on HANG FIVES’s barrier manners.
 
 
Race 6: GOS CONSTRUCTIONS / JUNE CLARKE PURSE BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1,500M
 
FIFTY CARATS – late scratching at 4:34pm due to apprentice Kayla Barker being injured in Race 5 and there being no other rider available. Stewards declared that all bets placed on FIFTY CARATS be refunded with the following deductions to apply:
1st – BEYOND START - 8c win, 8c place.
2nd – YELLOWSTONE BETH - 8c place
3rd – REMORSELESS s- 8c place  
BITTERBLUE (NZ) – slow to begin and settled back; lost contact with the field in the middle stages and finished well back. When questioned, Apprentice Shae Neilsen stated that the gelding had failed to come on to the bridle at any stage and, in her opinion, was feeling the firmness of today’s racing surface. A post-race veterinary examination revealed BITTERBLUE to be displaying tenderness in the hoof region.  
 
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
 
Summary of action concerning licensees
 
 
Race day injuries/illness: R5: Apprentice Kayla Barker – medical clearance required.
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
 
Scratched because of no rider being available
 R2: OFFANGO; QUINSTEP GIRL.
 R3: JAKAZONE.
 R4: SPOT ON SOPHIA; SHE’S REWARDING.
 R6: ROCKETING TO WIN.
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners
 
Warnings/bars POLLY HOFFA – late scratchingon veterinary advice – clearance required.
RUSTY ROSE – final warning barrier manners.
                         HANG FIVE – warned barrier manners.