QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

STEWARDS REPORT
 

TOWNSVILLE TURF CLUB

FRIDAY 4 APRIL 2025
 

WEATHER:  Overcast                   TRACK RATING:  Soft 7   RAIL: +1.0m Entire Course            PENETROMETER: 5.85
 
OFFICIALS

Chairman of Stewards – R. Neal
Stewards – D. Griffiths, P. Gillard, P. Warren, A. Holzhauser (Asst. Steward)

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT

GENERAL
1.    Permitted overweight’s:
Race 3, Justin Stanley +0.5kg
            Race 6, Graeme Kliese +1kg
            Race 7, Olivia O’Donnell +1kg
            Race 10, Olivia O’Donnell +0.5kg, Denicious Smith +1.0kg
 
2.    As jockey J. Murphy was not riding at today’s meeting he was replaced as per Raceday Stewards Summary.

3.    Due to a significant traffic accident a number of southern trained horses were unable to attend the meeting and were declared late scratching’s as per the Stewards Summary.
 
 
Race 1: LADBROKES FORM GENIUS QTIS THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN PLATE 1200 M
 
OUTBID – Delayed the start when proved difficult to load- warning placed; Put in a n awkward stride near the 1000 metres.
 
COACHMAN – Fractious in the barriers. Slow to begin.
 
HEZA ROMEO. – was retired from the race near the 600 metres when the bridle detached, with Jockey Nathan Thomas dismounting, after which the gelding became free and galloped for a distance before being recaptured.
 
Stewards questioned the Club’s Starter, the Starter’s Assistant attending HEZA ROMEO in the barriers, the Veterinary Officer in attendance at the start, and Jockey Nathan Thomas regarding the circumstances of the gelding being withdrawn from the race in the middle stages when its bridle became detached. The Stewards also reviewed all available vision of the entirety of the starting process, including and extending to the period after the horses arrived at the barriers through to the stage of the race when the gelding was retired.
 
Jockey Thomas stated that HEZA ROMEO, after being reluctant to approach the barriers, reared shortly after being loaded into the barriers, resulting in him being dislodged from the gelding when being assisted by the Starter’s Assistant. Jockey Thomas then stated that after being repositioned in the saddle, the gelding then stood satisfactorily without further issue until the field was dispatched. Jockey Thomas added that he did not observe HEZA ROMEO contact the barrier structure when rearing, nor did he observe any issue with the horse’s gear after this. . Jockey Thomas further stated that he characterised the horse’s movement when becoming fractious as being a “clean up and clean down” movement.  
 
When questioned, the Club’s Starter stated that she did not observe HEZA ROMEO making contact with the barrier structure, nor did she observe, HEZA ROMEO strike its head when it became fractious after being loaded..
 
The Veterinary Officer, who was positioned immediately behind HEZA ROMEO’s barrier stall, stated that he did not observe HEZA ROMEO make any contact with the barriers, and accordingly he did not consider it necessary to remove the horse from the barriers to f exam the horse for suitability to race.
 
When questioned regarding HEZA ROMEO subsequently being retired from the race prior to the 500 metres, Jockey Thomas added that shortly after the start the browband attached to   HEZA ROMEO’s bridle became detached and a  short distance later the bridle itself also became detached , placing him at a significant disadvantage, and resulting in him electing to  retire  HEZA ROMEO from the race  prior to the 500 metres, after which the gelding escaped his control and galloped freely for a distance before being recaptured.
 
A post-race veterinary examination of HEZA ROMEO revealed no apparent abnormalities. It was noted that the horse had lost its off-front plate shortly after the start.
 
When considering the matter, the Stewards noted that vision of the starting process, both prior and subsequent to the horse being fractious in the barriers showed that HEZA ROMEO’s bridle was correctly affixed when the horse left the barriers. However, after the field had travelled a short distance the brow band became semi-detached and started to ‘flap’ around the gelding’s forehead.  As a consequence, the shift in position caused by the loose browband applied tension to the bridle, dragging it forward from behind HEZA ROMEO’s ears and dropping it near the nasal area, which culminated in Jockey Thomas losing effective control of the horse and compelling him to retire HEZA ROMEO from the race. Jockey Thomas concurred with the Stewards observations that the size and substance of the brow band, and its flapping motion, had the effect of forcing the bridle forward over HEZA ROMEO’S ears and resulting in the piece of equipment becoming detached.
 
Having given careful consideration to all the evidence including the available video footage, the Stewards determined that the issues confronted by HEZA ROMEO and Jockey Thomas, resulted from the issue with the browband becoming semi-detached from the bridle, and not from issues emanating from the gelding being in the barriers.
 
The Stewards will speak to Trainer Mr. Jeffrey Caught about the gear which was applied to HEZA ROMEO in today’s race. It should be noted that this was the first time HEZA ROMEO had carried a browband in a race.
 
Furthermore Mr. Caught was advised the gelding must obtain a further barrier certificate to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to being permitted to race again.
 
Irrespective of the findings in respect of these circumstances, the Stewards will, in accordance with established practice, review all of the circumstances of this incident to ensure that all of the necessary starting procedures and protocols were adhered to.
 
SNEAKY TAY – Slow to begin. Raced three wide without cover for the majority of the race.
 
The Stewards will, in coming days, speak with the Townsville Club regarding the processes relating to the retrieval of equipment from the race track following the detached brow band from HEZA ROMEO not being removed from the race track when following Race one.
 
Race 2: LADBROKES ODDS SURGE QTIS CLASS 3 PLATE 1400 M
 
 
HANGIN' AROUND – Bounded in the air as the start was made and lost ground. Stewards noted rider Chris Meehan exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m (+ one) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use no further action was taken.
 
TIME TO PROPHET – Slow to begin.
 
BARMERA – When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on BARMERA which established a significant lead in the middle stages. Jockey A. Thomson mentioned while it was her intention to lead, the horse had then over raced proving difficult to restrain. Over raced significantly for the majority of the race.
 
 
Race 3: LADBROKES SAME RACE MULTI BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 1609 M
 
BETTA AL - A post-race veterinary examination of BETTA AL identified the presence of blood in both nostrils. BETTA AL shall not without the permission of the Stewards: (a) for a period of 2 months after the attack of bleeding, be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse, recognized training track, private training establishment, or other place; (b) start in any race for a period of 3 months, and then only after: i. a gallop of at least 1,000 metres; or ii. an official trial or jump-out; in the presence, and to the satisfaction of a Steward.AR79(4).
 
 
Race 4: LADBROKES COMMUNITIES CLASS 6 PLATE 1400 M
 
HARROW (IRE) – Slow to begin. Over raced in the early stages. Shifted out under pressure leaving the 200 metres and near the 100 metres shifted out inconveniencing ELLEVES. Jockey C. Meehan was reprimanded under AR131a and advised to show greater care when shifting ground.
 
ELLEVES – Raced keenly in the early stages. Inconvenienced near the 100 metres.
 
BRING ME FLOWERS – Over raced in the early and middle stages.
 
 
Race 5: LADBROKES BLACKBOOK OPEN HANDICAP 1000 M
 
GOSSIP TORQUE – Began awkwardly.
 
STATS – Proved difficult to load. Slow to begin.
 
FAMILY STAR – Stewards noted rider Justin Stanley exceeded the permitted strikes of the whip prior to the 100m (+ one) under AR132(7)(a)(ii); however, given the totality of the whip use no further action was taken.
 
 
Race 6: HYGAIN BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP 1000 M

AMNESTY – Became fractious in the barriers dislodging rider Chris Meehan.Scratched by order of Stewards acting on veterinary advice. Trainer Mr. Stephen Massingham was advised that warning had been placed on the mares barrier manners, with Mr Massingham being further advised that a veterinary clearance was required prior to AMNESTY next racing. All monies invested on AMNESTY were ordered to be refunded. Deductions applicable to bets placed on winner and placegetters prior to 2.53pm:
 
12 cents in the dollar for the win CORBUSIER
10 cents in the dollar for the place of winner CORBUSIER
14 cents in the dollar for 2nd place NOLAN
19 cents in the dollar for 3rd place WICKLOW LASS
 
SNITZAROO – Became fractious in the barriers and struck its head. Scratched by order of Stewards acting on veterinary advice. Trainer Steven Bush was advised that warning had been placed on the gelding’s barrier manners, with Mr. Bush being further advised that a veterinary clearance was required prior to SNITZAROO next racing. All monies invested on SNITZAROO were ordered to be refunded. Deductions applicable to bets placed on winner and placegetters prior to 2.53pm:
 
 
12 cents in the dollar for the win CORBUSIER
10 cents in the dollar for the place of winner CORBUSIER
14 cents in the dollar for 2nd place NOLAN
19 cents in the dollar for 3rd place WICKLOW LASS
 
WICKLOW LASS (NZ) – Slow into stride and settled back. Held up for clear running rounding the final turn. Raced in restricted room for a short distance near the 200 metres.
 
NOLAN – laid in passing the 200 metres and had to be corrected.
 
TALONS – Lost ground over the final 200 metres.
 
 
Race 7: MITAVITE CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1000 M
 
Following delays from Race 6 a new start time of 3:31pm was given.
 
TENNAGAIN – Bounded in the air and lost considerable ground as the start was made.
 
QUEENBEEL (NZ) – Slow to begin.
 
 
Race 8: GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO MAIDEN PLATE 1200 M

NAPA VALLEY – Slow to begin.
 
BULLSEYE BANJO – Commenced to lose ground leaving the 400 metres. A post-race veterinary examination identified the presence of blood in both nostrils. BULLSEYE BANJO shall not without the permission of the Stewards: (a) for a period of 2 months after the attack of bleeding, be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse, recognized training track, private training establishment, or other place; (b) start in any race for a period of 3 months, and then only after: i. a gallop of at least 1,000 metres; or ii. an official trial or jump-out; in the presence, and to the satisfaction of a Steward.AR79(4).
 
ONE PERCENT – Forced wider near the 800 metres. On returning to scales jockey Aiden. Holt reported his mount had a tendency to hang out for the majority of the race.

 
Race 9: CLUDEN PARK ON COURSE STABLES BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP 1200 M
 
BEAUTY BOOM – Shifted in at the start tightening runners to its inside.
 
CROWNING MOMENT – Shifted out at the start tightening runners to its outside.
 
MEDAL (NZ) – Tightened for room on jumping.
 
SAVVY SOVEREIGN (NZ) – Tightened for room on jumping. Hampered for room approaching the 200 metres.
 
LAST ROYAL – Tightened for room on jumping.
 
TYCOON BEAU – Blundered on jumping.
 
ROTH 'N' BUBBLE – Shifted out approaching the 200 metres hampering SAVVY SOVEREIGN. Rider Justin Stanley was advised to show greater care when shifting ground.
 
 
Race 10: CARNIVAL TICKETS ON SALE SOON! BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1200 M
 
ELLIE'S DREAM – Was declared a late scratching at 3.20pm when no rider was available to fulfil the engagement. 
 
BUBBLES'N'FROTH – Began awkwardly.
 
CITY OF BOULDER – Shifted in at the started tightening LOOK AT ROSA
 
PREMIUM STAR – Shifted out at the started tightening LOOK AT ROSA
 
LOOK AT ROSA – Tightened between runners on jumping.
 
CHALKLEY -Shifted out at the start bumping IRISH MIST.
 
IRISH MIST – Bumped on jumping.
 
TURN BIRD – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
BRAVE INTENT – Raced wide for the majority of the race.
 
 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY

Summary of action concerning licensees

Reprimands
Race 4, Chris Meehan – AR131a – Shifting ground when not clear.  
 
Race day injuries/illness
Race 6, Chris Meehan – Dislodged in barriers and aggravated a previous injury. Medical certificate required prior to returning to riding.
 
Absent jockeys
J. Murphy – Transportation difficulties.

Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed pre-race
TIME TO PROPHET, ELLEVES, AMNESTY, LAST ROYAL
 
Horses swabbed post-race
All winners

Warnings/bars
Race 1, HEZA ROMEO – Barrier Certificate – Fractious in the barriers.
Race 1, COACHMAN – Warning – Fractious in the barriers.
Race 1, OUTBID – Warning – Fractious in the barriers.
Race 6, SNITZAROO – Warning Barrier manners – Veterinary Clearance required.
Race 6, AMNESTY -– Warning Barrier manners – Veterinary Clearance required.
 
Bleeders
Race 3, BETTA AL – Bled both nostrils first time – 3-month ban AR 79(4)
Race 8, BULLSEYE BANJO – Bled both nostrils first time – 3-month ban AR 79(4)
 
Summary of rider changes/Late notifications
Race 4, TRODAIRE – Sean Cormack
Race 6, DOLLSON – Justin Stanley
Race 7, THREEBROTHERS – Nathan Thomas
Race 8, BLEDISLOE – Justin Stanley
Race 9, CROWNING MOMENT – Nathan Thomas
Race 10, TURN BIRD – Micheal McDonald, COMBATTANT – Denicious Smith
 
Late scratchings
Race 1, MISHANI AMORE – 10:39am – Due to transportation difficulties. 
Race 4, UNDER THE LIMIT – 10:37am – Due to transportation difficulties. 
Race 5, YOUR TOO GOOD – 12.33 pm – Due to transportation difficulties. 
Race 6, SNITZAROO – 2:53pm – Scratched on vets advice.
Race 6, AMNESTY – 2:53pm – Scratched on vets advice.
Race 7, TSUNAMI FORCE – 10:39am – Due to transportation difficulties. 
Race 8, PRIVATE CURWEN – 10:37am – Due to transportation difficulties. 
Race 10, ELLIE’S DREAM – 3:20pm– No rider available.
 

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.