It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found here
New Inquiries
The following matter was inadvertently omitted from the December 2025 Integrity Update:
9 December 2025 – Ms Grace Panella – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Methylamphetamine and 4-hydroxymethylamphetamine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from BLAZIN CHIMES following its win in race 7, the GARRARDS HORSE AND HOUND PACE (1730 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 22 August 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
30 January 2026 – Mr Craig Turnbull – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Cotinine and Trans-3’-hydroxycotinine have been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse STAR TO FALL following its win in Race 1, the YIRRIBEE PACING STUD PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Tuesday 14 October 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Inquiries Concluded
7 January 2026– Mr Michael Osborn – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Nicotine and Cotinine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse REASONABLY SWEET following its win in Race 2, the TAMWORTH TREATED TIMBERS - HORSE BEDDING PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 19 June 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Michael Osborn attended the Inquiry via Zoom and provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and the subject horse.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott attended and provided evidence to the Inquiry. The certificates of analysis issued by ARFL and RASL were also entered into evidence.
Mr Osborn pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
In respect of that charge, pursuant to AHRR 256(6), Stewards recorded a conviction, however, no penalty was imposed.
In considering penalty, Stewards considered the evidence of Dr Wainscott that included the fact that the additional metabolites Anatabine and Trans 3’-hydroxycotinine were also detected by ARFL which would rule out direct nicotine exposure.
In addition, Dr Wainscott provided an opinion that the detection of nicotine and cotinine, in conjunction with Anatabine, were due to an inadvertent exposure or ingestion of a tobacco product.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified REASONABLY SWEET from the abovementioned race.
21 January 2026– Mr Nicholas Hargraves – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Morphine and Oripavine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse TUKURUA following its win in race 3, the TURNERS FURNITURE ONE PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 2 September 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Mr Hargraves appeared at the Inquiry via Zoom and provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and the horse TUKURUA. Evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott and the Certificates of Analysis from ARFL and RASL in relation to the urine sample were also presented to the Inquiry.
An analytical report from ARFL was also presented to the Inquiry in relation to a poppy plant seized during a stable inspection by HRNSW Investigator Ms Suzanne Campbell at Mr Hargraves registered training establishment. The report confirmed the presence of morphine and oripavine, together with other alkaloids markers.
Mr Hargraves pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
In respect of that charge, Stewards determined that a conviction would be recorded, however, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mr Hargraves as they were satisfied to the requisite standard that the detection of Morphine and Oripavine had resulted from environmental contamination.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified TUKURUA from the abovementioned race.
Appeal Decisions
21 January 2026 - Mr Blake Micallef appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 7 days after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse ALWAYSATTHEBEACH in Race 2 at Temora on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against the breach was dismissed and the 7 day suspension was confirmed.
Integrity Information
During the month of January 2026, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 612 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 8 January 2026 – Trainer Stood Down- Mr Michael Leary.
- 8 January 2026 – Mr Michael Osborn – Inquiry Conducted.
- 8 January 2026 – December Integrity Updates & Information.
- 12 January 2026 – Horses Required to Present Early 12/01/26.
- 15 January 2026 – Horses Required to present Early 15/01/26.
- 21 January 2026 – Mr Nicholas Hargraves – Inquiry Conducted.
Original notices can be found here.
If anyone requires further information please contact HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6600.
