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
New Inquiries –
28 October 2025 – Mr Dean Atkinson
HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Cocaine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from KAIRAKI DELIGHT NZ following its win in race 5, the WOODLANDS STUD - YOUR GENETIC EDGE PACE (1730 metres) conducted at Bathurst on Wednesday 27 August 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
29 October 2025 – Mr Nicholas Hargraves
HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Morphine and oripavine have been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from TUKURUA following its win in race 3, the TURNERS FURNITURE ONE PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 2 September 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Concluded –
22 October 2025– Mr Anton Golino
HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from LEAF STRIDE NZ following its win in race 9, the D M PLUMBING TROTTERS STANDING START HANDICAP (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 7 June 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Golino pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
HRNSW Stewards imposed a 3 month disqualification period to commence immediately.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, LEAF STRIDE NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Golino was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
27 October 2025– Mr Shannon Rye
HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from BARRYS ROSE following its win in race 7, the BOURKES HORSE RUGS PACE (1660 metres) conducted at Parkes on Friday 18 October 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
Mr Rye pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued against him pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4) and AHRR 190B (1)(b) & (6).
In relation to each of the charges, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties:
Charge 1: 2 years disqualification to commence from 10 December 2024, the date upon which Mr Rye was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183.
Charge 2: $500 fine
Pursuant to AHRR 195, BARRYS ROSE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Rye was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
29 October 2025 – Mr Jarred Hetherington
HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from DANCIN WITH LUSH following its win in race 1, the ABERMAIN METRO - KAELI HEPWORTH PACING FOR PINK PACE (1980 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 22 May 2025.
The certificate of analysis issued by the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) reported a Cobalt level of 110 ug/L (micrograms per litre) in urine with a 9% measurement of uncertainty and the certificate of analysis issued by the ChemCentre reported a Cobalt level of 105 ug/L in urine with a measurement of uncertainty 10 ug/L at the threshold of 100 ug/L.
Consequently, when taking into account the respective measurements of uncertainty, the NMI Cobalt level had a range of 100.1 ug/L to 119.9 ug/L and ChemCentre Cobalt level had a range of 94.5 ug/L to 115.5 ug/L.
Mr Hetherington pleaded not guilty and was found guilty of a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR)
HRNSW Stewards imposed a two (2) year disqualification period to commence immediately.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, DANCIN WITH LUSH was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Hetherington has appealed the decision of the HRNSW Stewards.
Integrity Information –
During the month of October 2025, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 880 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices –
- 3 October 2025 – September Integrity Updates & Information.
- 8 October 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice - Horses Required to Present Early 08/10/25.
- 8 October 2025 – Trainer Stood Down- Mr Adam Ruggari.
- 14 October 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice - Horses Required to Present Early 14/10/25.
- 20 October 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice - Horses Required to Present Early 20/10/25.
- 27 October 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice - Horses Required to Present Early 27/10/25.
- 28 October 2025 – Mr Anton Golino- Inquiry Conducted.
- 28 October 2025 – Mr Shannon Rye- Inquiry Conducted.
- 28 October 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice - Horses Required to Present Early 28/10/25.
- 29 October 2025 – DUGGEE SLOY- Disqualified From Additional Race.
- 29 October 2025 – Mr Jarred Hetherington – Inquiry Concluded.
All notices can be found here.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Michael Prentice - Chief Integrity Officer
(02) 9722 6600
mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
Clint Bentley - Chairman of Stewards
(02) 9722 6628
cbentley@hrnsw.com.au
