Stewards Report

Marburg Harness

Date:  Sunday, 8 December 2024

Track:  Good

Weather:  Fine

Stewards Panel:  M Greentree (Chair) │ W Barr │ L Bahr │ S Borg

Officials:  Dr B Morris & Dr C Bowden-Betts (Veterinarians) │ B Wilson (Judge) │ A Rayward (Assistant Judge) │ J Suli (Starter) │ J Cremin (Assistant Starter) │ K Warwick (Sample Collection Official)

Supplementary Report:

Due to expected Bureau of Meteorology prediction of temperatures of 35 degrees or higher, QRIC heat policy was implemented.

Race 1 - THE OLE LOLLIE SHOP PETRIE 2 WINS PACE     1850M  [MS]

STONES (Zac Chappenden) -  Gate speed to lead until commencing to yield ground over the final 500metres of the event.

BAHAMAS MISS (Mathew Neilson) – Hung-out and contacted the sulky of WHOS TO BLAME (Gary Whitaker) on the turn out of the front straight on the final occasion and paced roughly as a result. A warning was issued.

WHOS TO BLAME (Gary Whitaker) -  Shifted-out after the start and was caught-wide in the early stages before being restrained into a one-out one-back trailing position. Raced ungenerously at stages during the event. Inconvenienced when sulky contacted with driver Gary Whitaker momentarily becoming unbalanced on the turn out of the front straight on the final occasion as a result of BAHAMAS MISS (Mathew Neilson) hanging-out.

MISTY RULER (Lola Weidemann) – Inclined to hang-out during the score-up. Inconvenienced on the first turn after the start as a result of STUDLEIGH DARCEY (Taleah McMullen) breaking gait.

LEFT TO ROCKNROLL (Gary Litzow) – Inconvenienced on the turn out of the front straight on the final occasion as a result of BAHAMAS MISS (Mathew Neilson) hanging-out and pacing roughly.

SPICE BOY (Julie Weidemann) – Yielded ground over the final 400metres of the event to ultimately be beaten in excess of 85metres into eigth and last placing. Stewards deemed the performance to be unsatisfactory and noting the horse was placed on a last chance to race competitively at its previous start, declared SPICE BOY ineligible until it trials satisfactorily.

STUDLEIGH DARCEY (Taleah McMullen) – Inclined to pull hard during the score-up. Became unbalanced and broke gait on the first turn after the start. Overraced and inclined to hang-in on turns throughout the event. Completed the race with a detached headcheck. Driver Taleah McMullen reported to Stewards the geldings headcheck became adrift shortly after the start which contributed to the gelding becoming unbalanced and breaking gait on the first turn. Stewards upon viewing the official race-day footage, confirmed the evidence presented and elected to take no action against STUDLEIGH DARCEY for breaking gait. Trainer fined for insecure gear [AHR R273(2)(b)].

General:

John McMullen, trainer of STUDLEIGH DARCEY was fined the sum of $100 under AHR Rule 273 (2) (b) for having an insecure attached headcheck on the gelding.

Race 2 – GOLDBET REWARDS PACE     1850M  [MS]

LORD DENZEL (Mathew Neilson) – Held-up rounding the home turn before obtaining clear running in the run to the finish.  

CHANG (Leonard Cain) – Inclined to hang-in on turns whilst leading throughout the event, contacting marker pegs on the turn out of the front straight and turning into the back straight on the final occasion and a warning was issued.

WEDDING NIGHT (Anna Payne) – Driver Anna Payne reported the mare to be contacting the sulky with its hind leg during the event. Stewards noted driver A Payne’s comments and advised to take the necessary corrective measures in future drives.

BABY GINNIE (Gary Litzow) – Underwent a veterinary examination prior to the event and was found to be lame in the off-foreleg and was subsequently declared a late scratching at 1:15pm on veterinary advice. Acting on veterinary advice, connections were advised BABY GINNIE will be required to furnish a veterinary certificate of soundness prior to resuming racing.

TROUPER JUJON (Trent Moffat) – Gate speed however, raced three-wide in the early stages before working forward to obtain the position outside the leader near the 1450metres.

CHEDDAR MADE BETA NZ (Lola Weidemann) – Driver suspended unapproved whip use [AHR R156 (2) (a)].

General:

The driver’s licence of Lola Weidemann (CHEDDAR MADE BETA NZ) was suspended for 14 days under AHR Rule 156 (2)(a) for engaging the elbow and shoulder whilst applying the whip over the concluding stages of the event. In determining the matter, Stewards noted Lola Weidemann previous driving record under AHR Rule 156 of more than five(5) offences within a 12-month period and penalty precedents under the Q.R.I.C. Penalty policy. At the request of Lola Weidemann, Stewards stayed the imposition of the penalty to commence midnight on December 16.

Race 3 - GOLDBET BONUS BETS PACE     1850M  [MS]

JANG PEL (Mathew Neilson) – Shifted out under pressure in the run to the finish.

MUSTANG DUDE (Lola Weidemann) – Gate speed however, raced three-wide in the early stages before working forward to attain the position outside the leader on the turn into the front straight on the first occasion before restraining shortly after, obtaining the position behind the leader.  Driver reprimanded careless driving [AHR R168 (1) (a)].

COULD IT BE ME (Dallas Wilkins) – Commenced a three-wide run late with no cover from a rearward trailing position leaving the 600metres.

BEYONSKI (Leonard Cain) – Left a one-out one-back trailing position leaving the 1200metres, working forward three-wide with no cover to attain the position outside the leader near the 1000metres before obtaining one-out one-back cover from OUR LITTLE SKIPPER (Dannielle McMullen) leaving the 900metres.

OUR LITTLE SKIPPER (Dannielle McMullen) – Made a three-wide mid race trailing move leaving the 1200metres, working forward three-wide, taking over the position outside the leader leaving the 900metres. Inconvenienced on the home turn when MUSTANG DUDE (Lola Weidemann) shifted wider on the track.

ALWAYS AT NIGHT (Gary Litzow) – Out of position when the start was affected and subsequently driver reprimanded [AHR R162 (1) (h)].

General:

Lola Weidemann, driver of MUSTANG DUDE was reprimanded under AHR Rule 168 (1) (a) for being careless when shifting her runner wider on the track rounding the home turn, inconveniencing OUR LITTLE SKIPPER.

Gary Litzow, driver of ALWAYS AT NIGHT was reprimanded under AHR Rule 162 (1) (h) for failing to come up into position by the start.

Race 4 - BARASTOC RACE N WIN PACE     1850M  [MS]

STARS OF AMERICA (Gary Whitaker) – Paced roughly on the turn out of the back straight on the final occasion when racing in a behind leader position before weakening over the concluding stages of the event.

CONVAIR HUSTLER NZ (Hannah Anforth) – Inclined to pull hard during the score-up.

HIGHVIEW SADLER NZ (Leonard Cain) – Caught-wide in the early stages of the event before working forward to initially attain the position outside the leader passing the 1400metres before obtaining one-out one-back cover from PABLOS ART (Adam Richardson) leaving the 1200metres.

MOLLIDOR (Anna Payne) – Slow to score up, however filled its allotted gate position prior to the start.

PABLOS ART (Adam Richardson) – Reinstated in the barrier draw for races conducted under mobile start conditions after satisfying QRIC requirements with the completion of two(2) successful consecutive mobile starts. Worked forward from the start, racing three-wide with a trail in the early stages before continuing to work forward through the middle stages with no cover to obtain the position outside the leader leaving the 1200metres.

Race 5 – GOLDBET ON THE APP PACE     1850M  [MS]

AQUA CRUISER (Jonah Hutchinson) – Broke in the early stages of the score-up, however filled its allotted gate position prior to the start. Retired from the event by its driver in the home straight on the first occasion due to a broken crupper. The gear was inspected by Stewards and was found to be of good quality and condition and no action was taken.

GELDOF (Jordan Topping) – Successfully withstood a challenge for the lead from SHE OWNS THE DAY (Adam Richardson) in the early stages to lead the event. Overraced and pulled hard during the event. Hung in on various occasions over the final lap contacting marker pegs, of which a warning was issued, before weakening over the concluding stages of the event.

RIVER ROCK (Gary Litzow) – Caught-wide in the early stages before being restrained into a rearward trailing position.

SHE OWNS THE DAY (Adam Richardson) – Gate speed however, broke gait clear of interference on the first turn whilst unsuccessfully challenging for the lead in the early stages and as a result was restrained into a behind leader position. After considering a good record in this regard, connections were advised SHE OWNS THE DAY would be placed on its last chance to race truly. 

SPORTS BOUNTY (Damon Watson) – Broke in the early stages of the score-up, however filled its allotted gate position prior to the start. Commenced a three-wide run late with no cover from the rear of the field leaving the 800metres.  

PARTY CHANGER (Lola Weidemann) - Having not started in a race since 21 June 2024 and in accordance with QRIC guidelines, the gelding was examined before the race by the veterinarian which revealed no apparent abnormalities. Was inclined to hang in on turns throughout the event, whilst racing in a rearward marker line position.

Race 6 - BARASTOC MARBURG CHRISTMAS CUP FINAL     1850M  [MS]

CHANCELESS CENTURY (Jonah Hutchinson) – Commenced a trailing three-wide run late from a midfield trailing position passing the 700metres.

SHAKATIE (Zac Chappenden) – Gate speed to race outside the leader until commencing to yield ground over the final 600metres of the event.

BEEF CITY STARZZZ (Nathan Dawson) – Commenced a three-wide run with no cover from a midfield trailing position leaving the 850metres.  

HIGHWAY WRITER (Matt Elkins) – Commenced a trailing three-wide run from a rearward trailing position leaving the 850metres. Weakened over the concluding stages of the event.

DOC HARVEY (Leonard Cain) – Shifted in and contacted a marker post on the turn out of the front straight and turning into the back straight on the final occasion and a warning was issued.

Race 7 - GOLDBET SAME RACE MULTI PACE     1850M  [MS]

CROSSED LEGS (Leonard Cain) - Gave ground over the final 500metres of the event to ultimately be beaten in excess of 35metres into ninth and last placing. An examination by the Veterinarian subsequent to the race found no abnormalities at time of examination other than a slow post-race recovery. Stewards questioned trainer N Hanrahan with regards to the overall performance of the mare in today’s event. N Hanrahan advised Stewards she felt that the early speed in the event may have been detrimental to the horse finishing off over the later stages of the event. N Hanrahan undertook to monitor CROSSED LEGS over the ensuing days and would advise Stewards should anything become apparent regarding the mare’s condition. Stewards noted her comments for future reference.

CRIME TIME (Taleah McMullen) - Left a midfield trailing position in the front straight on the first occasion, working forward three-wide to the position outside the leader near the 1250metres.

SAINT LOUIS BEAT (Trent Moffat) – Gate speed however, raced three-wide in the early stages, working forward to obtain the lead position leaving the 1500metres.  

ARE YOU WITH ME (Layne Dwyer) – Held-up and inconvenienced behind the tiring CROSSED LEGS (Leonard Cain) leaving the 500metres before obtaining clear running leaving the 300metres.  

Race 8 – BARASTOC SENIOR HORSE FEED PACE     2200M  [MS]

TACTFILLY MIRACLE (Brendan Barnes) – Driver reprimanded careless driving [AHR R168 (1) (a)].

KISS ON THE BEACH (Gary Litzow) – Broke in the early stages of the score-up, filled its allotted gate position, however was inclined to hang-out in the later stages of the score up.

MUCHO GUAPA (Taleah McMullen) – Gate speed to race outside the leader until tiring over the final 600metres of the event to ultimately be beaten in excess of 45metres into eigth and last placing. An examination by the Veterinarian subsequent to the race found the mare to be suffering with the thumps. Connections were advised MUCHO GUAPA would be stood down pending a satisfactory trial.

WRITE ABOUT ANGUS NZ (Layne Dwyer) – Caught-wide in the early stages and after failing to obtain a more forward position in the event, the gelding was restrained to the rear of the field.       

ROCKNROLL MAX NZ (Jordan Topping) – Overraced and pulled hard during the event. Inconvenienced near the 100metres, when TACTFILLY MIRACLE (Brendan Barnes) shifted wider on the track.

ARTISTIC SAINT (Zac Chappenden) – Commenced a three-wide run with no cover from a midfield trailing position leaving the 900metres prior to tiring over the final 600metres of the event to ultimately be beaten in excess of 58 metres into ninth and last placing. An examination by the Veterinarian subsequent to the race found the gelding to have an increased respiratory rate and an audible respiratory noise. Connections were advised ARTISTIC SAINT would be stood down pending a satisfactory trial.

ROLAMAX (Damon Watson) – Commenced a trailing three-wide run from a rearward trailing position leaving the 900metres.  

General:

Brendan Barnes, driver of TACTFILLY MIRACLE was reprimanded under AHR Rule 168 (1) (a) for being careless when shifting his runner wider on the track near the 100metres, inconveniencing ROCKNROLL MAX NZ.

Swab Samples Taken for Analysis;

Pre-race:

R1       HES REGAL

R2       LORD DENZEL

R3       BEYONSKI

R4       DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN

R5       GELDOF

R6       BEEF CITY STARZZZ

R7       CROSSED LEGS

R7       CRIME TIME

Post-race:

All Winners

Race-day Summary;

Scratchings:

R1       NORTEE NASH  -  Under Bar

R2       RISKY BUZINESS  -  Veterinary Reasons 

R2       TREACHEROUS GABBY  -  Acceptable Reasons (Late Scratching @ 8:58am)

R2       BABY GINNIE  -  Veterinary Reasons (Late Scratching @ 1:15pm)

Licensee Actions:

R1       John McMullen (STUDLEIGH DARCEY)  -  Fined $100  -  AHR Rule 273 (2) (b)  insecure gear

R2       Lola Weidemann (CHEDDAR MADE BETA NZ)  –  14 days suspension  –  AHR Rule 156 (2) (a) unapproved whip use –  commencing midnight Monday, 16th December 2024

R3       Lola Weidemann (MUSTANG DUDE)  -  Reprimand  -  AHR Rule 168 (1) (a)  careless

R3       Gary Litzow (ALWAYS AT NIGHT)  -  Reprimand  -  AHR Rule 162 (1) (h)  fail to come up into position

R8       Brendan Barnes (TACTFILLY MIRACLE)  -  Reprimand  -  AHR Rule 168 (1) (a)  careless

Animal Actions:

R1       SPICE BOY  -  SD1T (poor performance)

R2       BABY GINNIE  -  SDVETCERT (Late Scr – Vets advice)

R4       PABLOS ART  -  BMD

R8       MUCHO GUAPA  -  SD1T (Thumps)

R8       ARTISTIC SAINT  -  SD1T

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.