Mr Adam Kelly & Mr Paul Wellington - Inquiry Conducted

On Wednesday 22 July 2026, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Methylamphetamine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from SHOWMETHETANLINES NZ following its win in race 5, the CLUB MENANGLE ROD AND FRAN FITZPATRICK TATLOW STAKES (LISTED CLASSIC) (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 29 November 2025.

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

In addition, the Inquiry also related to a report received from the ARFL that Methylamphetamine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from CALZAGHE NZ following its win in race 3, the D M PLUMBING PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Monday 8 December 2025.

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

Licensed Trainer Mr Adam Kelly appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to the horses SHOWMETHETANLINES NZ, CALZAGHE NZ and his registered training establishment.

Licensed Stablehand Mr Paul Wellington also attended the Inquiry and provided  evidence in relation to his involvement with the training establishment and subject horses.

A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine samples, results of analysis for a soil sample and tongue tie, together with results of analysis for human urine samples obtained from Mr Kelly and Mr Wellington.

HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry that Mr Wellington was the most likely source of the prohibited substance.

Mr Kelly pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (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.

In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:

• The circumstances of this matter including the evidence of Dr Wainscott;
• Mr Kelly’s licence history, offence record, training and driving records during a 35 year involvement in the harness racing industry as a licensed person;
• Mr Kelly’s personal subjective facts;
• Mr Kelly’s third prohibited substance matter;
• Class 1 Prohibited Substance;
• Mr Kelly’s guilty plea;
• The involvement and conduct of Mr Wellington.

In relation to Mr Kelly, HRNSW Stewards imposed a $3,500 fine.

Mr Kelly was advised of his appeal rights.

Mr Wellington pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to AHRR 239A as follows:

AHRR 239A.  A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.

In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:

• The circumstances of this matter including evidence of Dr Wainscott;
• Mr Wellington’s licence history and offence record, during his limited and sporadic involvement in the harness racing industry;
• Mr Wellington’s personal subjective facts;
• Mr Wellington’s guilty plea.

In relation to Mr Wellington, HRNSW Stewards imposed a 12 month disqualification to commence immediately.

Mr Wellington was advised of his appeal rights.

Pursuant to AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified the horses SHOWMETHETANLINES NZ and CALZAGHE NZ from the abovementioned races.

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