Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Morphine and Oripavine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse TUKURUA following its win in race 3, the TURNERS FURNITURE ONE PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 2 September 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Mr Hargraves appeared at the Inquiry via Zoom and provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and the horse TUKURUA. Evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott and the Certificates of Analysis from ARFL and RASL in relation to the urine sample were also presented to the Inquiry.
An analytical report from ARFL was also presented to the Inquiry in relation to a poppy plant seized during a stable inspection by HRNSW Investigator Ms Suzanne Campbell at Mr Hargraves registered training establishment. The report confirmed the presence of morphine and oripavine, together with other alkaloids markers.
Mr Hargraves pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting TUKURUA to race not free of a prohibited substance.
In respect of that charge, Stewards determined that a conviction would be recorded, however, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mr Hargraves as they were satisfied to the requisite standard that the detection of Morphine and Oripavine had resulted from environmental contamination.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Hargraves 1st Prohibited Substance offence;
- Prohibited substances involved;
- Circumstances involved in this matter;
- Steps undertaken by Mr Hargraves since being informed of this matter
- Mr Hargraves’s licence history, training and driving records, harness racing offence record and other personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, TUKURUA was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Hargraves was informed of the right to appeal the decision of HRNSW Stewards.
In addition, Mr Hargraves was cautioned that he must take all reasonable measures in future to manage his registered training establishment to ensure that his horses were presented in accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
|
Name:
|
Michael Prentice Clint Bentley
|
|
Position:
|
Chief Integrity Officer Chairman of Stewards
|
|
Phone:
|
(02) 9722 6600 (02) 9722 6628
|
|
Email:
|
mprentice@hrnsw.com.au cbentley@hrnsw.com.au
|
