It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found here.

New Inquiries

11 May 2026 – Mr Michael Hardy – 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 has been detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from MAGGIE MOTH prior to it running in race 5, the RANDLAB PACE (2060 metres) conducted at Forbes on Sunday 3 May 2026.

The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

26 May 2026 – Mr Neil Kliendienst – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Cotinine and Trans-3’-hydroxycotinine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse AGENT CALLAN following its win in Race 2, the BROCK SAMPSON GOLF TAMWORTH PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 26 February 2026.

The reserve portion and control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.

28 May 2026 – Mr Anton Golino – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Xylazine was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from KRISTAL JOSSELYN FRA prior to it running in race 10, the PRON8URE PROBIOTIC TOUGH MONARCH TROTTERS FFA (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 7 March 2026.

The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

31 May 2026 – Mr Robert Garrett – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Methylamphetamine has been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from KALKADOON DREAMING following its win in race 4, the NUTRIEN EQUINE BATHURST SALE 22ND MARCH PACE (1760 metres) conducted at Junee on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

The reserve portion and control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.

Inquiries Concluded

13 May 2026 – Mr Brian Portelli – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry that commenced on 15 April 2026 in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from RED SAPPHIRE following its win in race 6, the TAB VENUE MODE PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 10 July 2025.

The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

Licensed Trainer Mr Brian Portelli was present with his legal representative Mr Glenn Walters and provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to the horse RED SAPPHIRE and his registered training establishment.

In addition, the certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry.

Mr Portelli pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and was disqualified for a period of 6 months to commence immediately.

Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, RED SAPPHIRE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.

Mr Portelli was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.

27 May 2026 – Mr Brendon Flaherty – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Methylamphetamine, Amphetamine and 4-hydroxymethylamphetamine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from GISSELLE following its win in race 4, the WOOLASTON SHEDS PACE (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 28 November 2025.

The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

Mr Flaherty appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and the horse GISSELLE.

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 Flaherty pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and was disqualified for a period of 2 years and 6 months.

Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, GISSELLE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.

Mr Flaherty was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.

Appeal Decisions

19 May 2026 - Mr Mitch Chapple - HRNSW appealed the decision of the 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 DAZZLING GEMS in Race 8 at Newcastle on Friday 8 May 2026.

By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against penalty was dismissed and the 21 day suspension was confirmed.

Integrity Information

During the month of May 2026, HRNSW Integrity department obtained

860 race day samples.

As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.

Integrity Notices

• 1 May 2026 – Arrival Times Tabcorp Park Menangle Saturday 02 May 2026.
• 5 May 2026 – April 2026 Integrity Updates & Information.
• 8 May 2026 – Arrival Times Tabcorp Park Menangle Saturday 09 May 2026.
• 13 May 2026 – Mr Brian Portelli - Inquiry Concluded.
•  27 May 2026 – Elevated TCO2 Levels – Horses Required to Present Early 27/05/26.
• 29 May 2026 – Arrival Times – Wagga May 20, 2026.

All notices can be found here.

For further information please contact the HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6655.