It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found here.
New Inquiries
13 February 2026 – Mr Sam Hewitt – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Synephrine was detected in the urine sample taken from ARK SEA following its win in race 6, the NUTRIEN EQUINE NSW BREEDERS CHALLENGE 2YO FILLIES FINAL (GROUP 1) (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 25 October 2025.
The reserve portion and control sample have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
As a result of the horse ARK SEA being housed within the HRNSW Retention Facility prior to the subject race, an investigation was commenced which included the collection of plant samples from the retention yards and surrounds. An analysis of those samples has been completed with the presence of synephrine being confirmed in some of those samples.
In addition, an out of competition blood sample obtained from the horse ARK SEA upon arrival at the HRNSW Retention Facility on 23 October 2025 returned a negative result, as did an analysis of a feed sample obtained on raceday.
20 February 2026 – Mr Brendon Flaherty – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Methylamphetamine, Amphetamine and 4-hydroxymethylamphetamine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from GISSELLE following its win in race 4, the WOOLASTON SHEDS PACE (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 28 November 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
20 February 2026 – Mr Trevor Munday – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Ipratropium, Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from BUSINESS IN HEAVEN following its win in race 6, the NUTRIEN EQUINE NSW BREEDERS CHALLENGE WESTERN REGION 3YO COLTS AND GELDINGS FINAL (LISTED CLASSIC) (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 5 December 2025.
The reserve portion and control sample have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
In addition, the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) has advised HRNSW that Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone were also detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from BUSINESS IN HEAVEN prior to the abovementioned race.
The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
20 February 2026 – Mr Adam Kelly – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report 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 have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
In addition, the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) has advised HRNSW 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 have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Concluded
2 February 2026– Mr Michael Carroll – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry into reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that harpagoside was detected in the post-race urine samples taken from the following horses;
- BORROWED TIME following its win in Race 4 the HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY MICHAEL CARROLL PACE (1720 metres) at Dubbo on Friday 8 March 2024;
- ART OF TERROR following its win in Race 1 the TAB VENUE MODE PACE (1609 metres) at Tamworth on Thursday 28 March 2024;
- BORROWED TIME following its win in Race 3 the GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND LOCAL PACE HEAT 1 (1720 metres) at Dubbo on Friday 12 April 2024; and
- BORROWED TIME following its win in Race 2 the COFFEE PHOTOGRAPHY & FRAMING PACE (1720 metres) at Dubbo on Friday 10 May 2024.
The reserve portions and control samples were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Trainer Mr Carroll appeared at the Inquiry with his legal representative Mr Peter Morris and provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment, his husbandry practices and the horses BORROWED TIME and ART OF TERROR.
Evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott and the Certificates of Analysis from ARFL and RASL in relation to the urine samples were also presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Carroll pleaded guilty to four (4) charges issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Carroll was disqualified for a period of 18 months for each offence to be served concurrently and to commence immediately.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, the horses BORROWED TIME and ART OF TERROR were disqualified from the abovementioned races.
Mr Carroll was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
25 February 2026 – Mr Adam Ruggari – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report 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 CANTPLZA MALTEEZA prior to it running in race 4, the COBBITTY EQUINE NSW BREEDERS CHALLENGE BLUE - 2YO COLTS & GELDINGS FINAL (GROUP 2) (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 6 September 2025.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria
Trainer Mr Ruggari appeared at the Inquiry and provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and the horse CANTPLZA MALTEEZA.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the pre-race blood sample and samples obtained from Mr Ruggari’s stable during a stable inspection on 12 September 2025.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry.
Mr Ruggari pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Ruggari was disqualified for a period of 3 years and 3 months from 7 October 2025, the date upon which he was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, CANTPLZA MALTEEZA was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Ruggari was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
Appeal Decisions
23 February 2026 - Mr Jack Brown appealed the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel to dismiss his appeal and confirm the penalties imposed by HRNSW Stewards as follows:
Charge 1- Pursuant to AHRR 250 (1)(b) - 18 months disqualification
Charge 2- Pursuant to AHRR 187 (2)- 6 months disqualification
Charge 3- Pursuant to AHRR 187 (2)- 6 months disqualification
Charge 4- Pursuant to AHRR 250 (1)(a)- 6 months suspension.
HRNSW Stewards had 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 would commence.
By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal, the appeal was allowed and the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel was quashed. In lieu, the following penalties were imposed.
Charge 1 – 15 months disqualification
Charge 2 – 4.5 months disqualification
Charge 3 – 4.5 months disqualification
Charge 4 – 4.5 months suspension.
The penalties for charges 1, 2 and 3 were ordered to be wholly cumulative. The suspension imposed in respect of charge 4 will commence upon the expiration of the period of disqualification.
Consequently, Mr Brown is disqualified for a total of 24 months, commencing on 20 November 2024, and expiring on 20 November 2026 prior to a 4.5 months suspension commencing on 20 November 2026 and expiring on 3 April 2027.
23 February 2026 - Mr Lucas Rando appealed the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel to uphold his appeal and impose the following penalties:
Charge 1- Pursuant to AHRR 245 - 15 months disqualification
Charge 2- Pursuant to AHRR 187(2)- 6 months disqualification
Charge 3- Pursuant to AHRR 187(2)- 6 months disqualification
The NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel had ordered that the penalties for Charges 2 and 3 be served concurrently and cumulative to Charge 1. Consequently, the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel imposed a total period of disqualification of 21 months upon Mr Rando commencing from 20 November 2024.
By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal, the appeal was allowed and the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel was quashed. In lieu, the following penalties were imposed.
Charge 1 – 13.5 months disqualification
Charge 2 – 4.5 months disqualification
Charge 3 – 4.5 months disqualification.
The penalties for Charges 2 and 3 were ordered to be served concurrently and cumulative to the penalty imposed for Charge 1.
Consequently, Mr Rando is disqualified for a total of 18 months, commencing on 20 November 2024, and expiring on 20 May 2026.
Integrity Information
During the month of February 2026, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 674 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 2 February 2026 – Mr Michael Carroll – Inquiry Concluded.
- 10 February 2026 – January Integrity Updates & Information.
- 25 February 2026 – Mr Adam Ruggari – Inquiry Conducted.
All notices can be found here.
If anyone requires further information please contact HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6600.
