June 2, 2026
Wondai’s annual winter race meeting on Saturday was cut short but that didn’t stop all the off-track activities going ahead.
The Fashions of the Field competitions were hotly contested (see below) and the betting ring was kept busy with punters betting on the Queensland Derby Day meeting at Eagle Farm.
And, of course, the bar was still open.
However, an incident in Race 1 caused the remaining four races of the meeting to be abandoned.
Fortunately, jockey Shakira Bailey was not seriously injured when she fell from her mount near the turn.
A long inspection of the track by stewards and jockeys then determined the surface was “inconsistent”.
It had earlier been rated as “soft”.
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Fashions Of The Field
The Fashions of the Field competitions went ahead while stewards were inspecting the track.
The theme for the meeting was “Classic Black & White” and it seemed as if just about everyone at the races dressed to this style!
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff also selected a “Paddock Pick”, ie. a best-dressed person who had not paraded in the main competition.
The Mayor introduced this prize at the Nanango meeting earlier in May.
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Race Results
Race 1 – Parker’s Plumbing & Gasfit Open Handicap (1100m)
1. Ablett (2) – Jess Emmerson
2. Inatick (5) – Reece O’Connell
3. Sutherland (7) – Kenji Yoshida
Time: 1:05.86
Margins: 3/4 length x 3/4 length
The meeting was abandoned after Race 1.
Five-year-old Henry’s Blade (3), trained by Vic Heading, blundered and dislodged its rider approaching the 300 metre mark.
The gelding suffered a serious leg injury and was euthanased.
Apprentice jockey Shakira Bailey was assessed by QAS paramedics and cleared of any injury.
After viewing footage of the incident and noting superficial facial injuries, stewards advised Ms Bailey that she would incur a 12-day stand down, as per the QRIC Concussion Protocol, and would be required to obtain a medical certificate and complete a satisfactory cognitive test prior to her next ride.
Following the running of the race, stewards and a delegation of senior riders inspected the surface of the track.
The inspection revealed “inconsistencies” and after concerns were raised by the riding group, the decision was made at 2:30pm to abandon the remainder of the meeting.
