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 May 2025 – Mr Joe Fenech – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole has been detected in the post-race blood sample taken from TELL ME THIS NZ following its win in Race 5, the OPEN AVENUES PSYCHOLOGY PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 13 February 2025.
The ‘B’ sample has been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
- 23 May 2025 – Mr Bruce Birch – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole has been detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from the horse SHEETWEB WEAVER prior to it running in Race 2, the APIAM AGNES BANKS PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT TROTTERS MOBILE (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Tuesday 25 March 2025.
In addition, the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) has advised HRNSW that Levamisole has also been detected in the post-race blood sample taken from the horse SHEETWEB WEAVER following its win in that race.
The ‘B’ samples have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
- 30 May 2025 – Mr Dylan Xerri – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Xylometazoline has been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse DUGGEE SLOY following its win in Race 7, the HYLAND HARNESS FULL SUITS PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Tuesday 8 April 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
- 30 May 2025 – Mr Kevin Pizzuto – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Arsenic above the threshold of 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine was detected in the urine sample taken DOUGS PLATTER following it running in race 6, THE BOTTLEMART STOCKADE (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 7 September 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
As a result of the horse DOUGS PLATTER being housed within the HRNSW Retention Facility prior to the subject race, a review of CCTV footage was conducted in which the horse was observed chewing wooden boards. An analysis of the boards has been completed with the presence of arsenic being confirmed in some of them.
Inquiry Conducted
- 7 May 2025– Mrs Isabel Walsh – HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that heptaminol was detected in the post-race urine sample obtained from the horse CANTFINDABETTORMAN NZ following its win in Race 3 the TAB INTER DOMINION PACERS CONSOLATION (2300 metres) at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 14 December 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mrs Walsh pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mrs Walsh was fined $3,000.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified CANTFINDABETTORMAN NZ from the abovementioned race.
Mrs Walsh was informed of her appeal rights.
Appeal Decisions
- 5 May 2025 - Mr Jake Bigeni appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to impose a fine of $400 after being found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 231(2) after driving the horse FOLLOW THE ECLIPSE in Race 6 at Penrith on Thursday 20 March 2025 and the circumstances around the horse after it bled during that race.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against the breach was upheld and the fine quashed.
Integrity Information
During the month of May, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 836 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 1 May 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 01/05/25.
- 2 May 2025 – April 2025 Integrity Updates & Information.
- 5 May 2025 – QE II Mile & NSW Oaks.
- 6 May 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 06/05/25.
- 7 May 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 07/05/25.
- 8 May 2025 – Trainer Stood Down- Mr David Moran.
- 15 May 2025 – Mrs Isabel Walsh- Inquiry Conducted.
- 20 May 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 20/05/25.
- 22 May 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 22/05/25.
- 29 May 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 29/05/25.
All notices can be found here
If anyone requires further information please contact HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6600.
