It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found here.
New Inquiries
27 July 2026 – Mr Joshua Carroll – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation 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 has been detected in the urine sample taken from SUMMER SCHOOL following its win in race 9, the HARNESS BREEDERS NSW/ REPRESENTING THE INDUSTRY PACE (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 22 May 2026.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by ChemCentre in Western Australia.
30 July 2026 – Mr Norm Diebert (Snr) – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation 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 has been detected in the urine sample taken from CHANCETOWIN following its win in race 4, the RIVERINA SIGNMAKERS PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 15 May 2026.
The reserve portion and control solution have been confirmed by ChemCentre in Western Australia.
Inquiries Concluded
6 July 2026 – Mr Trevor Munday – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry that commenced on Friday 26 June 2026 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 solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
In addition, the Inquiry related to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) 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 was confirmed by RASL.
Licensed Trainer Mr Trevor Munday attended the Inquiry with his legal representative Ms Valerie Heath. Mr Munday provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to the horse BUSINESS IN HEAVEN, his registered training establishment and husbandry practices.
In addition, the Certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Munday pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Munday was disqualified for a period of 8 months to commence immediately.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, BUSINESS IN HEAVEN was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Munday was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
13 July 2026 – Mr Keith McDeed – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that harpagoside was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from LULLABY NZ following its win in race 1, the SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 13 February 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Trainer Mr McDeed appeared at the Inquiry via Zoom with his legal representative and presented evidence in relation to the horse LULLABY NZ and his registered training establishment.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine sample and samples obtained from Mr McDeed’s registered training establishment.
A document provided by Mr Daniel Jack was also entered into evidence at the Inquiry.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to a septic sewer system on the property and two (2) species of plant believed to be present in NSW that contain harpagoside. Dr Wainscott stated that the ingestion of the plants was more unlikely as the source due to their toxicity, palatability and physical attributes. In addition, Dr Wainscott confirmed that a septic sewer system had been a factor in previous cases involving harpagoside and was the most likely cause in this matter.
Mr McDeed pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian
Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and was fined the amount of $3,000.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, LULLABY NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr McDeed was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
21 July 2026 – Ms Grace Panella – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report 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 against her pursuant to Australian
Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and was fined the amount of $2,000.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, BLAZIN CHIMES was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Ms Panella was informed of her right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
22 July 2026 – Mr Adam Kelly & Mr Paul Wellington – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry 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 were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
In addition, the Inquiry also related to a report received from the ARFL 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 were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Adam Kelly appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to the horses SHOWMETHETANLINES NZ, CALZAGHE NZ and his registered training establishment.
Licensed Stablehand Mr Paul Wellington also attended the Inquiry and provided evidence in relation to his involvement with the training establishment and subject horses.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine samples, results of analysis for a soil sample and tongue tie, together with results of analysis for human urine samples obtained from Mr Kelly and Mr Wellington.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry that Mr Wellington was the most likely source of the prohibited substance.
Mr Kelly pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and was fined the amount of $3,500.
Mr Kelly was informed of his right to appeal the decision of HRNSW Stewards.
Mr Wellington pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to AHRR 239A and was disqualified for a period of 12 months.
Mr Wellington was advised of his appeal rights.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, SHOWMETHETANLINES NZ and CALZAGHE NZ were disqualified from the abovementioned races.
23 July 2026 – Mr Darren Hancock – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Tapentadol was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from FASTING following its win in race 6, the WELCOME WAGGA DIRECTIONAL DRILLING PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 19 December 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Trainer Mr Darren Hancock attended the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to the horse FASTING and his registered training establishment, including the existence of a septic sewer system.
Licensed Stablehand Mr Brian Hancock attended the Inquiry on behalf of the horse’s owners.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine sample and samples obtained from Mr Hancock’s registered training establishment.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to the septic sewer system on the property and Tapentadol having been detected in a sample of treated water from the septic sewer system and a soil sample from the property.
Dr Wainscott provided evidence that it was extremely likely that the source of the Tapentadol was the septic sewer system.
Mr Hancock was found guilty of a charge issued against him pursuant to Australian
Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and was fined the amount of $2,000.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, FASTING was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Hancock was informed of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
Appeal Decisions
3 July 2026 - Mr Mitch Chapple appealed the decision of the HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 21 days after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse DAZZLING GEMS in Race 8 at Newcastle on Friday 8 May 2026.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal was dismissed and the suspension of 21 days confirmed.
30 July 2026 - Mr Will Rixon- HRNSW appealed the decision of the HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 7 days after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse IM ROCKIN IT in Race 5 at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 30 June 2026.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal was dismissed and the suspension of 7 days confirmed.
Integrity Information
During the month of July 2026, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 798 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 2 July 2026 – June Integrity Updates & Information.
- 6 July 2026 – Mr Trevor Munday – Inquiry Concluded.
- 15 July 2026 – Mr Keith McDeed – Inquiry Conducted.
- 21 July 2026 – Ms Grace Panella – Inquiry Conducted.
- 23 July 2026 – Mr Darren Hancock – Inquiry Conducted.
- 28 July 2026 – Mr Adam Kelly & Mr Paul Wellington – Inquiry Conducted.
- 31 July 2026 – Mr Dean Atkinson – Inquiry Commenced.
All notice can be found here.
If anyone requires further information please contact HRNSW Integrity Department on (02) 9722 6600.
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
