Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Methylamphetamine and 4-hydroxymethylamphetamine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from BLAZIN CHIMES following its win in race 7, the GARRARDS HORSE AND HOUND PACE (1730 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 22 August 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Ms Panella appeared at the Inquiry, together with her legal representative Mr Peter Morris (Jnr) and presented evidence in relation to her registered training establishment, the horse BLAZIN CHIMES and her farrier Mr Luke Jennings.
HRNSW Stewards directed Mr Jennings to attend the Inquiry, however, he failed to do so.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott attended and provided evidence to the Inquiry. The certificates of analysis issued by ARFL and RASL were also entered into evidence, together with the results of analysis for soil samples obtained by HRNSW Investigator Mr Jason Robbs.
Ms Panella pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) as follows:
AHRR 190. (1) A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
(2) If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.
(3) If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub rule (2) or sub rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
HRNSW Stewards imposed a fine of $2,000 upon Ms Panella.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Ms Panella’s 1st Prohibited Substance offence;
- Class 1 Prohibited Substance and the extremely serious nature of the prohibited substance;
- Ms Panella’s involvement in the harness racing industry as a licensed person, including as a Trainer since 2023 and as a Driver since the 2019/20 season;
- Ms Panella’s training and driving performance records, together with her harness racing offence record;
- Ms Panella’s subjective matters;
- The involvement and conduct of Ms Panella’s farrier Mr Luke Jennings.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, the horse BLAZIN CHIMES was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Ms Panella was informed of her right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
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Name:
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Michael Prentice Clint Bentley
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Position:
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Chief Integrity Officer Chairman of Stewards
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600 (02) 9722 6628
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Email:
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mprentice@hrnsw.com.au cbentley@hrnsw.com.au
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