It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found here.
New Inquiries –
29 April 2026 – Mr Justin Field – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Naproxen was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from MURIEL prior to it running in race 8, the KOHNKE'S OWN CELL-SALTS PACE (1760 metres) conducted at Junee on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
The ‘B’ sample has been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
In addition, the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) advised HRNSW that Naproxen was also detected in the post-race urine sample taken from MURIEL following its win in the abovementioned race.
The reserve portion and the control solution have been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Concluded –
1 April 2026 – Ms Shannon Price – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that tiludronic acid was detected in an Out of Competition blood sample obtained from the horse SURE THING CAPTAIN on Thursday 4 September 2025.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
On Saturday 6 September 2025, SURE THING CAPTAIN ran in Race 5 the TAB LEN SMITH MILE (GROUP 1) at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
The certificates of analysis issued by ARFL and RASL were entered into evidence at the Inquiry.
Licensed Trainer Ms Price appeared at the Inquiry and provided evidence in relation to the horse SURE THING CAPTAIN and the treatment of the horse with Tildren (tiludronic acid) by a registered veterinarian on 16 April 2025.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott attended and provided evidence to the Inquiry, including the fact that as the tiludronic acid was detected in an out of competition sample obtained two (2) days prior to the race, it was unable to be determined whether it would have been present when the horse was presented to race on Saturday 6 September 2025.
Stewards considered the provisions of AHRR 190AB(5) which states:
AHRR 190AB (5) When a sample taken from a horse aged four years or older has detected in it
(a) A registered bisphosphonate other than zoledronic acid the horse is not permitted to start in any race for a minimum period of thirty days from the date of the collection of the sample in which the bisphosphonate was detected.
After hearing submissions from Ms Price, Stewards ordered pursuant to AHRR 65, that the horse SURE THING CAPTAIN be disqualified from the subject race on Saturday 6 September 2025 as such race start was within 30 days of the sample taken on 4 September 2026 which revealed the presence of the registered bisphosphonate tiludronic acid.
AHRR 65 states as follows:
AHRR 65.If the Stewards find that a horse or a trainer or driver was ineligible to compete in a race they may disqualify the horse from the race or declare such horse a non-starter and make any consequent changes to the placings.
In all of the circumstances Stewards determined to take no action against Ms Price as the result of the sample taken on 4 September 2026 was not known until 21 October 2025, some 6 weeks following SURE THING CAPTAIN starting at Menangle on 6 September 2025.
Ms Price was informed of her right to appeal this decision of HRNSW Stewards.
Appeal Decisions –
28 April 2026 - Mr Jarred Hetherington- HRNSW appealed the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel to uphold Mr Hetherington’s appeal against a breach of AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report from the from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from DANCIN WITH LUSH following its win in race 1, the ABERMAIN METRO - KAELI HEPWORTH PACING FOR PINK PACE (1980 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 22 May 2025.
In addition, HRNSW appealed the decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeals Panel to set aside the penalty of a 2 year disqualification imposed by HRNSW Stewards.
By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal, the appeal was upheld. In relation to penalty, a period of 18 months disqualification was imposed by the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal.
Integrity Information –
During the month of April 2026, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 777 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices –
- 1 April 2026 – Elevated TCO2 Levels- Horses Required to Present Early 01/04/26.
- 2 April 2026 – Arrival Times – Riverina Championships.
- 9 April 2026 – Ms Shannon Price – Inquiry Conducted
- 14 April 2026 – March Integrity Updates & Information.
- 30 April 2026 – Cobalt Samples Analysed Since 01/08/2024.
All original Integrity Notices can be found here.
For further information please contact HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6600.
