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
17 November 2025 – Ms Shannon Price
HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that tiludronic acid was detected in the Out of Competition sample obtained from the horse SURE THING CAPTAIN on 4 September 2025.
The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
20 November 2025 – Mr Michael Leary
HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Peptides VYSNFLR (T17 fragment), VNFYAWK (T6 fragment), SLTTLLR (T11 fragment), YLLEAK (T4 fragment) and TITADTFR (T14 fragment) were detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from MIGHT AND VICTORY prior to race 6, the NUTRIEN EQUINE NSW BREEDERS CHALLENGE 3YO COLTS AND GELDINGS HEAT - ROUND 1 (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 26 September 2025.
The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
The investigation will include a review of Mr Leary’s medical records.
Appeal Decisions
6 November 2025 - Mr Joshua Gallagher
Appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 21 days after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163 (1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse MAGNETIC STORM in Race 4 at Penrith on Thursday 9 October 2025.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal was dismissed and the period of suspension confirmed.
13 November 2025 - Mr David Moran
Appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 12 months after he pleaded guilty to two charges issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) and AHRR 196C (1)(b) & (2)(a) following a report from Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Total Plasma Carbon Dioxide above the prescribed threshold was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD prior to it running in race 6, the BOOTS CIVIL | MILBRAE QUARRIES RIVERINA CHAMPIONSHIPS ENTIRES AND GELDINGS FINAL (LISTED CLASSIC) (2270 metres) conducted at Wagga on Saturday 19 April 2025.
The appeal was discontinued by Mr Moran’s advocate.
24 November 2025 – Ms Grace Panella
Appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend her driver’s licence for a period of 18 days after she was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163 (1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse TAKAS PRINCESS in Race 2 at Newcastle on Tuesday 14 October 2025.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal was dismissed and the period of suspension confirmed.
24 November 2025 – Mr Tony Bertwistle
Appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 2 years and 6 months after he pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report from the from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 25 micrograms per litre in blood was detected in the blood sample taken from the horse HARLEEQUIN prior to it finishing 5th in race 7, the NUTRIEN SALES CLASSIC 3YO FILLIES HEAT (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Saturday 5 April 2025.
In addition, the Inquiry was also conducted in relation to a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the urine sample taken from HARLEEQUIN following its win in race 2, the ODE OF REMEMBRANCE PACE (2125 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 24 April 2025.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against penalty was upheld and the period of disqualification reduced to 1 year and 6 months.
25 November 2025 – Mr Jarred Hetherington
Appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 2 years after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report from the from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from DANCIN WITH LUSH following its win in race 1, the ABERMAIN METRO - KAELI HEPWORTH PACING FOR PINK PACE (1980 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 22 May 2025.
The certificate of analysis issued by the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) reported a Cobalt level of 110 ug/L (micrograms per litre) in urine with a 9% measurement of uncertainty and the certificate of analysis issued by the ChemCentre reported a Cobalt level of 105 ug/L in urine with a measurement of uncertainty 10 ug/L.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against the breach was upheld and the penalty imposed by HRNSW Stewards was set aside.
HRNSW has appealed this decision to the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal.
Integrity Information
During the month of November 2025, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 750 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
All notices can be found here.
For further information please contact the HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6600.
