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
- 9 January 2025– Mr Ben Sarina – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry that commenced on Wednesday 13 November 2024 in relation to a charge issued upon Mr Ben Sarina pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 231(1)(e).
The charge was issued by HRNSW Stewards in relation to an assault upon a former Harness Racing Steward.
In addition, as Mr Sarina was convicted of Reckless Grievous Bodily Harm at Cessnock Local Court, the Inquiry addressed the consideration of AHRR 267 by HRNSW Stewards.
Following consideration of the evidence, including the defences and submissions provided by Mr Sarina, HRNSW Stewards found him guilty of the charge and invoked AHRR 267.
In relation to the charge issued pursuant to AHRR 231(1)(e) Mr Sarina was disqualified for a period of 7 years to commence immediately.
In addition, HRNSW Stewards disqualified Mr Sarina for a period of 7 years pursuant to AHRR 267, to be served concurrently.
Mr Sarina has appealed these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
- 15 January 2025– Mr Phillip Martin – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that 3-hydroxybupivacaine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from SLIPPIN THE LIFE following its win in Race 5, the VALE KEN PARKER (1770 metres) conducted at Albury on Tuesday 6 August 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Martin pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Martin was disqualified for a period of 9 years to commence immediately.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified SLIPPIN THE LIFE from the abovementioned race.
Mr Martin was informed of his appeal rights.
- 29 January 2025– Mrs KerryAnn Morris & Mr Peter Morris (Snr) – 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 AD MAIORA following its win in race 8, the NATIONAL TROTGUIDE PACE (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Monday 29 August 2022.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mrs Morris pleaded guilty to a charge issued against her pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mrs Morris was fined the amount of $4,000.
Mrs Morris was informed of her appeal rights.
In addition, Mr Peter Morris (Snr) pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to AHRR 239A in relation to his conduct and/or negligence that led to the detection of Metformin in the subject urine sample.
Mr Morris (Snr) was fined the amount of $4,000.
Mr Morris was informed of his appeal rights.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified AD MAIORA from the abovementioned race.
Appeal Decisions
- 7 January 2025 – Mr Mat Rue appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 7 days after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse HE AINT FAKIN in Race 5 at Bathurst on Wednesday 18 December 2024.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against the breach was upheld and the 7 day suspension was set aside.
- 15 January 2025 – Ms Isobel Ross appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend her driver’s licence for a period of 4 weeks after she pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 149(2) when driving the horse TAKE OUT in Race 2 at Bathurst on Wednesday 18 December 2024.
Ms Ross changed her plea and appealed against the breach and penalty imposed by HRNSW Stewards.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against the breach was upheld and the 4 week suspension was set aside.
Integrity Information
During the month of January, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 710 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 16 January 2025 – Mr Phillip Martin- Inquiry Conducted.
- 16 January 2025 – Mr Ben Sarina- Inquiry Concluded.
- 16 January 2025 – December 2024 Integrity Updates & Information.
- 17 January 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early.
- 30 January 2025 – Mrs KerryAnn Morris & Mr Peter Morris (Snr)- Inquiry Conducted.
original notices can be found at www.hrnsw.com.au
