On Wednesday 23 July 2025, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race urine samples obtained from the following horses:
- ALABAMA LIONESS following its win in Race 6, the TAB.COM PACE (2170 metres) conducted at Canberra on Monday 6 May 2024;
- MY CRACKLING ROSIE following its win in Race 4, the MIDDY’S ELECTRICAL GOULBURN PACE (1710 metres) conducted at Goulburn on Monday 20 January 2025.
The reserve portions and control samples were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer/Driver Mr Hewitt appeared at the Inquiry with Licensed Stablehand Mrs Bryanna Hewitt and in the presence of advocate Mr Rick Jones, provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment, the subject horses and the property upon which the horses were located.
In addition, Mr Martin Sieper, the registered owner of the horse ALABAMA LIONESS was in attendance at the Inquiry.
HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Annie Knox attended and provided evidence to the Inquiry. Results of analysis for water and soil samples obtained from Mr Hewitt’s registered training establishment and property were also entered into evidence, together, with the certificates of analysis issued by ARFL and RASL in relation to the post-race urine samples.
Mr Hewitt pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Rule 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 those charges, pursuant to AHRR 256(6), Stewards recorded convictions however no further penalties were imposed.
In considering penalty, Stewards considered the evidence of Dr Knox, including her expert opinion that the presence of Levamisole in the subject horses had resulted from contamination. In addition, Stewards considered the totality of the evidence and the circumstances involved and were satisfied to the requisite standard that Mr Hewitt could not have reasonably foreseen that the horses would be exposed to Levamisole from his sheep operation which was conducted separately on the property.
In addition, after being notified of the sample irregularity in relation to ALABAMA LIONESS, Mr Hewitt implemented a risk management strategy, including but not limited to the following steps:
- Improved fencing to ensure the separation of horses and sheep;
- Completed drainage works on the property to manage waterflow;
- Ceased using levamisole products completely on the property;
- Sought professional advice in relation to veterinary matters and the topography of the property.
In addition, in consideration of penalty, Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Hewitt’s guilty pleas;
- Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
- No previous prohibited substance matters;
- Mr Hewitt’s licence history and other personal subjective factors.
Acting under the provisions of AHHR 195, ALABAMA LIONESS and MY CRACKLING ROSIE were disqualified from the subject races.
Mr Sieper was advised of his right to appeal this decision in relation to his horse ALABAMA LIONESS.
