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
- 1 August 2025 – Mr Dylan Xerri – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Xylometazoline was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from the horse TONYS DREAM prior to it running in Race 4, the FRAN FITZPATRICK CHERYL MCDOWELL PINK BONNET (GROUP 3) (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Saturday 10 May 2025.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
- 1 August 2025 – Mr Peter Hanson – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Xylometazoline was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from the horse MACH DA VINCI NZ prior to it running in Race 3, the ABLE DOORS PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Saturday 17 May 2025.
The ’B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
- 12 August 2025– Mr Anton Golino – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone have been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from LEAF STRIDE NZ following its win in race 9, the D M PLUMBING TROTTERS STANDING START HANDICAP (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 7 June 2025.
The reserve portion and control sample were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
- 28 August 2025 – Mr Michael Osborn – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Nicotine and Cotinine have been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse REASONABLY SWEET following its win in Race 2, the TAMWORTH TREATED TIMBERS - HORSE BEDDING PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 19 June 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Concluded
- 8 August 2025– Mr Tony Bertwistle – HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 25 micrograms per litre in blood was detected in the blood sample taken from the horse HARLEEQUIN prior to it finishing 5th in race 7, the NUTRIEN SALES CLASSIC 3YO FILLIES HEAT (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Saturday 5 April 2025.
In addition, the Inquiry was also conducted in relation to a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the urine sample taken from HARLEEQUIN following its win in race 2, the ODE OF REMEMBRANCE PACE (2125 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 24 April 2025.
The ‘B’ portion for the blood sample and the reserve portion/control solution for the urine sample were confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
Mr Bertwistle pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued against her pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Bertwistle was disqualified for a period of two and a half (2.5) years in relation to each charge to commence from 16 July 2025, the date upon which he was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183. Stewards ordered that the disqualification periods be served concurrently.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, HARLEEQUIN was disqualified from the abovementioned races.
Mr Bertwistle has appealed these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
- 11 August 2025– Mr Mark Callaghan – 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 obtained from the horse THE CID following its win in Race 5 the TAB REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL - HUNTER (LISTED CLASSIC) (2030 metres) at Newcastle on Friday 17 May 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Callaghan pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4).
In respect of that charge, HRNSW Stewards imposed a $3000 fine upon Mr Callaghan.
In considering penalty, Stewards considered the evidence of HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott where he was unable to exclude the septic sewer system within the registered training establishment as a source for the presence of harpagoside detected in the urine sample.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, THE CID was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
- 13 August 2025– Mr David Moran – HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Total Plasma Carbon Dioxide above the prescribed threshold was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD prior to it running in race 6, the BOOTS CIVIL | MILBRAE QUARRIES RIVERINA CHAMPIONSHIPS ENTIRES AND GELDINGS FINAL (LISTED CLASSIC) (2270 metres) conducted at Wagga on Saturday 19 April 2025.
The analysis of the ‘B’ sample was conducted by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Moran pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued against him pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4) and AHRR 196C (1)(b) & (2)(a).
In relation to those charges, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties:
Charge 1: AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4).
12 months disqualification to commence from 8 May 2025, the date upon which Mr Moran was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183.
Charge 2: AHRR 196C (1)(b) & (2)(a)
6 months disqualification to be served concurrent to the disqualification imposed for Charge 1.
Mr Moran has appealed these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
Following consideration of submissions provided by owner Mr Domenic Martello and pursuant to AHRR 195 and AHRR 196C (3), CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Martello was informed of his right to appeal this decision of the HRNSW Stewards.
- 20 August 2025– Mr Mitchell Reese – HRNSW Stewards concluded an Inquiry into relation to the following matters:
- Mr Reese’s pre-race involvement with the horse GARGZDAI GIRL prior to its win at Newcastle on Friday, 20 January 2017;
- Mr Reese’s involvement in the possession and supply of unregistered and/or prohibited substances.
Previously, Mr Reese pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 187 (6) and (7) as follows:
Charge 1 Pursuant to AHRR 187(6) & (7).
In addition, Mr Reese was found guilty of a further three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards as follows:
Charge 2 - Pursuant to AHRR 196A (1)(ii) & 2.
Charge 3 - Pursuant to AHRR 194A (as from 11 December 2015).
Charge 4 - Pursuant to AHRR 187(2).
Following the consideration of penalty submissions and associated documents provided by Mr Reese’s legal representative on his behalf, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties:
Charge 1- Eighteen (18) months disqualification to commence from 7 December 2018, the date upon which Mr Reese was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183. As a result, the penalty in relation to this matter expired on 7 June 2020.
Charge 2- Ten (10) year disqualification to commence from 7 June 2020 and to expire on 7 June 2030;
Charge 3- Three (3) year disqualification to commence from 7 June 2030 and to expire on 7 June 2033;
Charge 4- Twelve (12) months disqualification to commence from 7 June 2033 and to expire on 7 June 2034.
In total, HRNSW Stewards have imposed a total period of fifteen years (15) years and six (6) months disqualification upon Mr Reese to commence from 7 December 2018 and to expire on 7 June 2034.
Mr Reese has appealed these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
- 25 August 2025– Mr Neville Hargraves and Mr Paul Sapio – HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry following an investigation that was commenced on Tuesday 19 November 2024 into the conduct of licensed trainer Mr Neville Hargraves and licensed trainer / driver Mr Paul Sapio on that date, in relation to the registered standardbred WHYIMAN which was trained by Mr Neville Hargraves and engaged to race in race 6, the AGTSLOTS.COM PACE – 1609 metres at Menangle that day. WHYIMAN was subsequently withdrawn from the race by order of the Stewards.
The investigation was commenced after a HRNSW Steward observed Mr Hargraves and Mr Sapio stomach tubing or attempting to stomach tube WHYIMAN at the Northbound Shell Service Station carpark on the Hume Highway at Suttons Forest.
Mr Hargraves and Mr Sapio both pleaded guilty to a charge issued against them pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 193(1) & (9).
Mr Hargraves and Mr Sapio were both disqualified for a period of 13 months to commence from 21 November 2024, the date upon which they were stood down.
Mr Hargraves and Mr Sapio were informed of their right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
- 29 August 2025– Mr Michael Hawke – HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry into reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that naproxen was detected in the post-race blood sample taken from WORTH EVERY CENT following its win in race 8, the MGA INSURANCE BROKERS MAIDEN PACE (1770 metres) conducted at Canberra on Monday 5 May 2025.
In addition, the Inquiry was conducted into a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that naproxen was also detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from WORTH EVERY CENT prior to it running in that race.
The ‘B’ samples were confirmed by Racing Analytical Service Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Hawke pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rules AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4)
In respect of that charge, HRNSW Stewards imposed a $4000 fine upon Mr Hawke.
In considering penalty, Stewards considered the evidence of HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott where he advised it was entirely plausible that the detection of naproxen had resulted from environmental contamination within the stable environment.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, WORTH EVERY CENT was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Hawke was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
Integrity Information
During the month of August, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 754 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 1 August 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 01/08/25.
- 8 August 2025 – Mr Tony Bertwistle – Inquiry Conducted.
- 12 August 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 12/08/25.
- 12 August 2025 – Warning - Bisphosphonates.
- 14 August 2025 – Mr Mark Callaghan – Inquiry Conducted.
- 14 August 2025 – Mr David Moran – Inquiry Conducted.
- 18 August 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 18/08/25.
- 18 August 2025 – 2026 Licence Renewals.
- 19 August 2025 – July 2025 Integrity Updates & Information.
- 20 August 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 20/08/25.
- 21 August 2025– Mr Shane Harmey- Trainer’s Licence Suspended.
- 26 August 2025 – Mr Mitchell Reese- Inquiry Concluded.
- 27 August 2025 – Mr Neville Hargraves and Mr Paul Sapio- Inquiry Conducted.
- 29 August 2025 – Elevated TCO2 Levels Notice- Horses Required to Present Early 29/08/25.
Original notices can be found at www.hrnsw.com.au
