Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded Inquiries that were commenced in relation to the provision of human urine samples to HRNSW Stewards at Goulburn on 21 October 2024, Menangle on 19 November 2024 and the subsequent analysis of those samples.
On Wednesday 21 May 2025, Mr Rando was present at an Inquiry before HRNSW Stewards and provided evidence.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry, including Racing Analytical Services (RASL) Victoria Urine Drug Screening Certificates, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Report of Scientific Testing, a number of transcripts of Interview and a written statement provided by Mr Rando.
After taking evidence from Mr Rando the matter was adjourned.
On Wednesday 28 May 2025, Mr Brown was present at an Inquiry before HRNSW Stewards and provided evidence in the presence of his legal representative, Mr Matthew Hammond. Similarly, a number of documents were also entered into evidence.
Following consideration of the evidence, Mr Brown pleaded guilty to four (4) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) as follow:
Charge 1
AHRR 250 (1) A driver commits an offence if:-
(b) He refuses or fails to deliver a sample as directed by Stewards, or tampers with, adulterates, alters, substitutes or in any way hinders the collection of such sample or attempts to do any of those things
Charges 2 & 3
AHR 187 (2) A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment, or give false or misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation.
Charge 4
AHRR 250 (1) A driver commits an offence if:-
- A sample taken from him is found upon analysis to contain a substance banned by Rule 251.
Following submissions provided by Mr Brown’s legal representative, HRNSW Stewards adjourned the Inquiry for consideration of penalty.
On Wednesday 4 June 2025 HRNSW Stewards issued three (3) charges in writing against Mr Rando pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) as follows:
Charge 1
AHRR 245 A person shall not direct, persuade, encourage or assist anyone to breach these rules, the Stud Book Regulations or otherwise engage in an improper practice.
Charges 2 & 3
AHR 187 (2) A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment, or give false or misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation.
In relation to each of the three (3) charges, Mr Rando entered a guilty plea and provided written submissions in relation to penalty.
On Thursday 19 June 2025, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties upon Mr Rando:
Charge 1: 15 months disqualification;
Charge 2: 6 months disqualification;
Charge 3: 6 months disqualification.
HRNSW Stewards ordered the penalties to be served cumulatively, resulting in a period of disqualification of 2 years 3 months from 20 November 2024, the date upon which he was stood down.
In considering penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The circumstances of this matter and the seriousness of the offences;
- Submissions provided by Mr Rando;
- Mr Rando’s personal subjectives;
- Mr Rando’s harness racing offence record;
- Mr Rando’s guilty pleas.
Mr Rando has appealed against these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
In relation to Mr Brown, on Thursday 19 June 2025 HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties upon Mr Brown:
Charge 1: 18 months disqualification;
Charge 2: 6 months disqualification;
Charge 3: 6 months disqualification;
Charge 4: 6 months suspension.
HRNSW Stewards ordered the penalties to be served cumulatively, resulting in a period of disqualification of 2 years 6 months from 20 November 2024, the date upon which he was stood down. At the conclusion of the disqualification periods, the 6 months suspension will commence.
In considering penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The circumstances of this matter and the seriousness of the offences;
- Submissions provided on behalf of Mr Brown;
- Mr Brown’s personal subjectives;
- Mr Brown’s harness racing offence record;
- Mr Brown’s guilty pleas.
Mr Brown has appealed against these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
For further information please contact the HRNSW Integrity Department - 02 9722 6655
