Stewards Report

Albion Park Harness Club

Date: Saturday 15th November 2025

Track: Good

Weather: Overcast / Intermittent Rain

Stewards Panel: N Finnigan (chairman)  N Torpey   R McCrae    W Barr  &  L Bahr (Birdcage)

Officials: Drs C Wain & C Bowden-Betts (Veterinarians)  A-M Rayward & B Wilson (Judges)  J Suli & J Petersen (Starters)  and K Warwick M Adams & A Challin (Swab Official)

 

Supplementary Report:

Some 90 minutes prior to the first race a storm hit the Albion Park Complex. The track was inspected and declared fit for racing, however Stewards directed that splash-sheet and mudguards be fitted to all sulkies.

 

Race 1 – WOLF SIGNS QUALIFYING PACE     2138M

MY ULTIMATE COBBER – Gave ground over the concluding stages after leading the one-out line throughout.

MIGHTY JOLT – Shifted in midway through the first turn resulting in its sulky wheel striking a marker.

COTE DAZUR NZ – Late scratching at 3:38 for Veterinary Reasons – Elevated Temperature

 

Race 2 – LADBROKES BIG BETS BAND 4 / BAND 2 PACE     1660M

ROYAL SPEECH – Broke gait free of interference approaching the 100, for which a warning was issued.

ROLL UP NZ – Broke gait in the score-up resulting in the gelding being well out of position at the start and effectively taking no part in the event, as a consequence of this indiscretion, ROLL UP NZ will be excluded from the barrier draw in future mobile start events

FASHION ICON – Raced rough shortly after the start was effected.

General: A reprimand was issued to trainer D Garrard for presenting CATSEYE BEACH to race with insecure gear, namely bandages [AHR Rule 276(2)(b)].

General: Stewards questioned drivers after the running of race 2 after they had raised concerns that visibility was not the best. Stewards, after considering the matter, with the driver’s approval, decided to proceed with the meeting, however, would continue to monitor the situation race-by-race.

 

Race 3 – RACING & SPORTS.COM BAND 5 PACE       1660m   Mobile

IMA QUEEN BEE – Failed to gain clear running over the concluding stages.

General: A reprimand was issued to trainer T Lethaby for presenting TREMENDOUS SENSATION to race with insecure gear, namely bandages [AHR Rule 276(2)(b)].

 

Race 4 – 2025 GARRARDS THE BE GOOD JOHNNY SPRINT  1660m   Mobile

No Racing Incidents

General: At the completion of race 4 Stewards sought consultation with a number of senior drivers as growing concerns were raised by a number of participants. Opinions were given and within the group of drivers it was unanimous that visibility had reached the point of serious concern. This coupled with the fact the mobile barrier when pulling away from the field in race 4 shifted significantly, left Stewards with no option other than to postpone the remainder of the race meeting due to safety concerns of both drivers and horses. Club Chairman Mr G Mitchell was informed of the decision, and he acknowledged that safety is paramount.

 

SWABS SAMPLES TAKEN FOR ANALYSIS

Pre-race:

R4 – BIRKIRKARA, TURN IT UP, THE JANITOR NZ, CAPTAIN SHUFFLES, ARODA NZ, MYDADSAID & WISPER A SECRET

R6 – OPALLANE, WICKED WHISKEY, PURE GRUNT & KIKI MEISTER

R7 – STAY FOOLISH, ULTIMATE ARK & HAPPY AS CAN BE

R8 – LONDON BABY, REDS ABLAZE & RUBY RULES

R9 – STAY DANCING, LAXCEYS LASS & GIRL POWER

R10 – NONIS GOLD CLASS

Post-race:

ALL WINNERS plus 2nd place in Race 4

 

RACE DAY SUMMARY

Scratchings:

R1 – COTE DAZUR NZ – Late scratching at 3:38 for Veterinary Reasons – Elevated Temperature

R2 – TARGARYEN NZ – Veterinary Reasons

R2 – CONEY ISLAND LOU NZ – Veterinary Reasons

R6 – MIGHTY CRUNCH – Emergency runner not required

R6 – BENNYDASOOK – Late Scratching at 7:30 for Veterinary reason after being injured on route to course – Stood Down 5 days

R7 – OHOKAREDROBINJUJON – Emergency runner not required

Licensee Actions:

R2 – Darren Garrard – Reprimanded; Insecure Gear – AHR Rule 273(2)(b)

R3 – Trent Lethaby – Reprimanded; Insecure Gear – AHR Rule 273(2)(b)

Animal Actions

R6 – BENNYDASOOK – Late Scratching at 7:30 for Veterinary reason after being injured on route to course – Stood Down 5 days

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.