On Wednesday 7 May 2025, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that heptaminol was detected in the post-race urine sample obtained from the horse CANTFINDABETTORMAN NZ following its win in Race 3 the TAB INTER DOMINION PACERS CONSOLATION (2300 metres) at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 14 December 2024.
The reserve portion and the control sample were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mrs Isabel Walsh appeared at the Inquiry with Mr Peter Walsh and veterinarian Dr Simon Robinson. Mrs Walsh and Mr Walsh presented evidence in relation to the registered training establishment and the horse CANTFINDABETTORMAN NZ.
Evidence including the Certificates of Analysis were presented, together with evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott.
Mrs Walsh pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting CANTFINDABETTORMAN NZ to race not free of a prohibited substance.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines in respect of Class 3 Prohibited Substances as follows:
In circumstances where a Trainer has committed their first presentation offence for which a penalty is to be issued by Stewards and it relates to a Class 3 Prohibited Substance, a fine might be considered where each of the following requirements have been satisfied by the Trainer:
- The prohibited substance was prescribed and/or administered by a registered veterinarian; and
- All details relating to the treatment are recorded in the Trainer’s Log Book; and
- The trainer complied with advice from a registered veterinarian regarding the withholding period for the relevant substance; and
- The trainer has complied with all relevant notices issued by HRNSW; and
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance only; and
- First Presentation Offence committed by Trainer that has resulted in a penalty being issued by Stewards.
As a result, HRNSW Stewards were satisfied that Mrs Walsh had complied with the above requirements and a fine of $3000 was imposed.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were also mindful of the following;
- Mrs Walsh’s first prohibited substance offence;
- Mrs Walsh’s guilty plea;
- Mrs Walsh’s offence record, training record and other personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, CANTFINDABETTORMAN NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mrs Walsh was informed of her right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
