December 2024
It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found by the following link.
https://www.hrnsw.com.au/racing/stewards/openinquiries
Inquiries Concluded
- 11 December 2024– Mr Brian Portelli – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Metformin was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse FOXY DADA following its win in race 4, the MOTHERS DAY HIGH TEA @ CLUB PACEWAY MAY 12TH PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 2 May 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Portelli pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
In respect of that charge, pursuant to AHRR 256(6) Stewards determined that a conviction would be recorded, however, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mr Portelli as they were satisfied to the requisite standard that the detection of metformin had resulted from environmental contamination within the stable environment beyond the control of Mr Portelli, relating to the septic sewer system on the property.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified FOXY DADA from the abovementioned race.
Mr Portelli was cautioned that he must take all steps to ensure in future that horses trained by him were presented in accordance with the Rules.
- 13 December 2024– Mr James McPherson – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry into a number of conduct related matters involving licensed Trainer and Driver Mr James McPherson.
The conduct included:
- Alleged sale of a set of sulky wheels to Mr Anthony Varga;
- Alleged sale of a sulky to Mr Brett Smith;
- Horses BETTORS HOPE and EL CAMINO racing and trialling whilst the licences of Mr McPherson had been suspended;
- A voice message left by Mr McPherson on the voicemail of HRNSW Integrity Manager Michael Prentice.
Mr McPherson pleaded guilty to seven (7) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules:
Charges 1 & 2 : AHRR 241
Charges 3 to 6 : AHRR 241
Charge 7 : AHRR 231(1)(d)
After considering submissions made by Mr McPherson, the following penalties were issued:
Charge 1 – 27 Month Disqualification
Charge 2 – 15 Month Disqualification
Charge 3 - $500 Fine
Charge 4 - $500 Fine
Charge 5 - $500 Fine
Charge 6 - $500 Fine
Charge 7 – 6 Month Disqualification
The periods of disqualification were ordered to be served cumulatively. Accordingly, the licences of Mr McPherson were disqualified for a total of 4 years commencing from 5 March 2024, the date upon which he was stood down.
Mr McPherson was advised of his right to appeal these decisions.
- 28 December 2024– Mr Nathan Jack – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry that commenced on 18 December 2024 into reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the following samples:
- Pre-race blood sample taken from the horse SKINNYDIP NZ prior to race 4, the STEEL SUPPLIES PACE (2270 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 7 July 2023;
- Post-race blood sample taken from the horse SKINNYDIP NZ following its win in race 4, the MATARANKA PARK STANDARDBREDS PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 21 July 2023.
The ‘B’ samples were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Jack pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Jack was disqualified for a period of 9 months to commence immediately.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified SKINNYDIP NZ from the abovementioned races.
Mr Jack has appealed the decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
Integrity Information
- During the month of December, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 728 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 11 December 2024 – Mr Brian Portelli- Inquiry Conducted.
- 11 December 2024 – Mr Glenn Powell- HRNSW Adoption of GWIC Disqualification.
- 13 December 2024 – Arrival Times- Menangle December 14.
- 13 December 2024 – Mr James McPherson- Inquiry Conducted.
- 18 December 2024 – Mr Nathan Jack- Inquiry Commenced.
- 23 December 2024 – HRA Rule Amendments- Approved by the HRNSW Board (December 2024).
- 28 December 2024 – Mr Nathan Jack- Inquiry Concluded.
original notices can be found here
