On Monday 13 July 2026, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that harpagoside was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from LULLABY NZ following its win in race 1, the SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 13 February 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Trainer Mr McDeed appeared at the Inquiry via Zoom with his legal representative and presented evidence in relation to the horse LULLABY NZ and his 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 and samples obtained from Mr McDeed’s registered training establishment.
A document provided by Mr Daniel Jack was also entered into evidence at the Inquiry.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to a septic sewer system on the property and two (2) species of plant believed to be present in NSW that contain harpagoside. Dr Wainscott stated that the ingestion of the plants was more unlikely as the source due to their toxicity, palatability and physical attributes. In addition, Dr Wainscott confirmed that a septic sewer system had been a factor in previous cases involving harpagoside and was the most likely cause in this matter.
Mr McDeed pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him 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.
HRNSW Stewards imposed a fine of $3000 upon Mr McDeed.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances of this matter including evidence of Dr Wainscott;
- Mr McDeed’s licence history, offence record, training and driving records since first being licensed as a Driver 55 years ago and a Trainer 51 years ago, although there have been periods of time in which Mr McDeed has not held a licence;
- Mr McDeed’s personal subjective facts;
- Mr McDeed’s first prohibited substance matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr McDeed’s guilty plea;
Mr McDeed was informed of his right to appeal the decision of the HRNSW Stewards.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, LULLABY NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Michael Prentice - Chief Integrity Officer
(02) 9722 6600
mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
Clint Bentley - Chairman of Stewards
(02) 9722 6628
cbentley@hrnsw.com.au
