On Wednesday 2 July 2025, 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 NAPOLI NIGHTS following its win in race 4, the 1 EQUINE PACE (1760 metres) conducted at Junee on Tuesday 18 February 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mrs Ellise Judd, together with Licensed Trainer Mr Glen Judd, appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to the horse NAPOLI NIGHTS and the registered training establishment.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine sample, together with results of analytical tests conducted upon soil/water samples obtained by HRNSW Investigator, Ms Suzanne Campbell from Mrs Judd’s registered training establishment.
HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Annie Knox, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry.
Mrs Judd pleaded guilty to a charge issued against her pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rules AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4) as follows:
AHRR 190. (1) A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
(2) If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub-rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.
(3) If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub-rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
In respect of that charge, pursuant to AHRR 256(6) Stewards determined that a conviction would be recorded, however, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mrs Judd as they were satisfied to the requisite standard that the detection of metformin had resulted from contamination within the stable environment beyond the control of Mrs Judd.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances of this matter including the evidence of Dr Knox;
- Mrs Judd’s licence history and offence record;
- Mrs Judd’s training and driving record since being licensed in the harness racing industry;
- Mrs Judd’s personal subjective facts;
- Mrs Judd’s first prohibited substance matter;
- Mrs Judd’s guilty plea.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified NAPOLI NIGHTS from the abovementioned race. Mrs Judd was informed of her right to appeal this decision of HRNSW Stewards.
Mrs Judd was cautioned that she must take all steps in future to ensure that horses trained by her were presented in accordance with the Rules.
In addition, Mr Judd pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rules AHRR 239A as follows:
AHRR 239A. A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.
In relation to Mr Judd, HRNSW Stewards imposed a $1500 fine.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances of this matter including the evidence of Dr Knox;
- Mr Judd’s licence history and offence record;
- Mr Judd’s training and driving record during 48 years of being licensed in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Judd’s personal subjective facts;
- Mr Judd’s first involvement in a prohibited substance matter;
- Mr Judd’s guilty plea.
Mr Judd was advised of his right to appeal this decision of HRNSW Stewards.
Mr Judd was cautioned that he must take all steps in future to ensure that his conduct around registered training establishments does not present a risk for any horse being presented to race contrary to the Rules.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
