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 –
- 16 April 2023– Mr Colin Sanders– HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Arsenic above the threshold of 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine has been detected in the urine sample taken from ARGENT PEAK following its win in race 3, the GLEN MIA SADDLERY (ACT) PACE (1770 metres) conducted at Canberra on Monday 23 January 2023.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
- 18 April 2023– Mr Rodney Blythe– HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Morphine and Oripavine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from KEAYANG DOMINO following its win in race 1, the EUGOWRA FLOOD DISASTER RELIEF PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Friday 2 December 2022.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
- 21 April 2023– Mr Cameron Ross– HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that dexamethasone was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from MACHS LEGACY following its win in race 5, the MARES SLIPPER PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 10 February 2023.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
- 28 April 2023– Mr Leon Jurd– HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that flunixin was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken MELPARK MAGIC prior to race 1, the CHARIOTS OF FIRE 18 FEB TROTTERS MOBILE (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 31 January 2023.
The B sample has been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Conducted –
· 5 April 2023– Mr Mark Buckingham pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4) following a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole had been detected in the post-race blood sample taken from the horse TARA LEEANN following its win in race 7, the LILLYPILLY WINES PACE (2147 metres) conducted at Leeton on Tuesday 9 March 2021. The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Service Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Buckingham was disqualified for a period of 7 months to commence immediately.
The subject horse was disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195.
- 21 April 2023– Mr Leigh Davis pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4) following a report from the National Measurement Institute (NMI) and Chemcentre that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the urine sample taken from the horse RAINBOW TITAN following its win in race 6, the CHRISTY PARK PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 22 June 2021.
Following an application on behalf of Mr Davis, HRNSW Stewards adjourned the Inquiry for penalty submissions to be provided prior to 4pm on Friday 12 May 2023.
HRNSW Stewards gave consideration as to whether AHRR 183 should be invoked or otherwise. Following submissions on behalf of Mr Davis, together with all available information, HRNSW Stewards invoked AHRR 183(a), (b), (c) & (d).
Consequently, the Trainer and Driver licences of Mr Davis were suspended, effective immediately. In addition, any horse trained or owned by Mr Davis shall not be nominated for or compete in a race, effective immediately.
Appeal Decisions –
· 6 April 2023– Mr Jack Callaghan 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 SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS in Race 6 at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 24 March 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was upheld and the penalty set aside.
· 12 April 2023– Mr Jack Trainor appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 21 days after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse ITS ALL ABOUT FAITH NZ in Race 5 at Tabcorp Park Menangle on 10 December 2022. By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal the appeal was upheld.
· 12 April 2023– Mr Nathan Townsend appealed the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel of 20 February 2023 to uphold an appeal and suspend his licence for a period of 12 months from 22 December 2022 after HRNSW Stewards had imposed a 12 month disqualification period at the HRNSW Steward’s Inquiry.
Mr Townsend and HRNSW appealed the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel to the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal.
On 20 April 2023, the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal dismissed the appeal of Mr Townsend and partially upheld the appeal of HRNSW. By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal, Mr Townsend was disqualified for a period of 8 months from 22 December 2022.
· 17 April 2023– Mr Cameron Hart 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 ABBOUTTIME in Race 6 at Wagga on Saturday 8 April 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was upheld.
Integrity Information –
- During the month of February 2023, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 790 Race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices –
- 1 April 2023 – Further reminder- Notice regarding the Detection of the Bronchodilator Drug Clenbuterol. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 3 April 2023 – March Integrity Updates & Information. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 5 April 2023 – Inquiry Concluded- Mr Mark Buckingham. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 21 April 2023 – Inquiry Conducted- Mr Leigh Davis. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
For further information contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
