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
- 5 June 2025 – Mr Tony Bertwistle – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 25 micrograms per litre in plasma was detected in the blood sample taken from HARLEEQUIN prior to finishing 5th in race 7, the NUTIREN SALES CLASSIC 3YO FILLIES HEAT (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Saturday 5 April 2025.
The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
- 12 June 2025 – Mr David Druitt – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that halostachine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse BURTON following its win in Race 1, the TAB VENUE MODE PACE (2270 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 28 February 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
- 17 June 2025 – Mr Dylan Xerri – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Xylometazoline was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse DUTY OF CARE following its win in Race 6, the TINTIN IN AMERICA @ WINGATE FARM PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Tuesday 29 April 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
- 17 June 2025 – Mr Peter Hanson – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Xylometazoline was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse MACH DA VINCI NZ following its win in Race 10, the ACCESS GROUP SOLUTIONS PROPERTY & ASSET MANAGEMENT PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
- 18 June 2025 – Mr Michael Hawke – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that naproxen was detected in the post-race blood sample taken from WORTH EVERY CENT following its win in race 8, the MGA INSURANCE BROKERS MAIDEN PACE (1770 metres) conducted at Canberra on Monday 5 May 2025.
The ‘B’ Sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
- 25 June 2025 – Mr Bruce Birch – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that triamcinolone acetonide was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from the horse SHEETWEB WEAVER prior to it running in Race 5, the SUN SOLUTIONS HOME IMPROVEMENTS GOULBURN TROTTERS CUP (2240 metres) conducted at Goulburn on Sunday 13 April 2025.
The ‘B’ sample has been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
- 30 June 2025 – Mr Daniel Rowell – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Total Plasma Carbon Dioxide above the prescribed threshold was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from THE REAL ROCKETMAN NZ prior to it running in race 4, the BOOTS CIVIL ENGINEERING PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
The ‘B’ sample has been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Concluded
- 19 June 2025– Mr Jack Brown & Mr Lucas Rando – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded Inquiries that were commenced in relation to the provision of human urine samples to HRNSW Stewards at Goulburn on 21 October 2024, Menangle on 19 November 2024 and the subsequent analysis of those samples.
On Wednesday 21 May 2025, Mr Rando was present at an Inquiry before HRNSW Stewards and provided evidence.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry, including Racing Analytical Services (RASL) Victoria Urine Drug Screening Certificates, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Report of Scientific Testing, a number of transcripts of Interview and a written statement provided by Mr Rando.
After taking evidence from Mr Rando the matter was adjourned.
On Wednesday 28 May 2025, Mr Brown was present at an Inquiry before HRNSW Stewards and provided evidence in the presence of his legal representative, Mr Matthew Hammond. Similarly, a number of documents were also entered into evidence.
Following consideration of the evidence, Mr Brown pleaded guilty to four (4) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) as follow:
Charge 1 Pursuant to AHRR 250 (1);
Charges 2 & 3 Pursuant to AHRR 187 (2); and
Charge 4 Pursuant to AHRR 250 (1).
Following submissions provided by Mr Brown’s legal representative, HRNSW Stewards adjourned the Inquiry for consideration of penalty.
On Wednesday 4 June 2025 HRNSW Stewards issued three (3) charges in writing against Mr Rando pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) as follows:
Charge 1 Pursuant to AHRR 245;
Charges 2 & 3 Pursuant to AHRR 187 (2).
In relation to each of the three (3) charges, Mr Rando entered a guilty plea and provided written submissions in relation to penalty.
On Thursday 19 June 2025, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties upon Mr Rando:
Charge 1: 15 months disqualification;
Charge 2: 6 months disqualification;
Charge 3: 6 months disqualification.
HRNSW Stewards ordered the penalties to be served cumulatively, resulting in a period of disqualification of 2 years 3 months from 20 November 2024, the date upon which he was stood down.
Mr Rando has appealed against these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
In relation to Mr Brown, on Thursday 19 June 2025 HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties upon Mr Brown:
Charge 1: 18 months disqualification;
Charge 2: 6 months disqualification;
Charge 3: 6 months disqualification;
Charge 4: 6 months suspension.
HRNSW Stewards ordered the penalties to be served cumulatively, resulting in a period of disqualification of 2 years 6 months from 20 November 2024, the date upon which he was stood down. At the conclusion of the disqualification periods, the 6 months suspension will commence.
Mr Brown has appealed against these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
Integrity Information
During the month of June, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 739 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 3 June 2025 – May 2025 Integrity Updates & Information.
- 11 June 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 11/06/25.
- 13 June 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 13/06/25.
- 17 June 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 17/06/25.
- 23 June 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 23/06/25.
- 24 June 2025 – Inquiry Concluded- Mr Jack Brown & Mr Lucas Rando.
- 27 June 2025 – Trainer Stood Down – Mr Dylan Xerri.
- 27 June 2025 – Trainer Stood Down – Mr Peter Hanson.
All notices can be found here
