It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found by the following link.
https://www.hrnsw.com.au/racing/stewards/openinquiries
New Inquiries
- 14 July 2022 – Mr Peter Wright - HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole had been detected in the urine sample taken from PARTY HAT following its win in race 5, the BLUEGUM MOTEL DUBBO PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Dubbo on Friday 6 May 2022.
The reserve portion and control sample were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria for confirmation.
- 29 July 2022 – Mr Michael Doltoff - HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone have been detected in the post-race blood sample taken from AUSTRALIANA following its win in race 6, the DRAG BINGO @ CLUB PACEWAY JULY 9 PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 23 June 2022.
The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Inquiries Concluded
- 13 July 2022 – Mr Stan Townsend pleaded guilty to three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following reports from the from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) in relation to the following samples:
- Modafinil and Modafinil Acid detected in the post-race urine sample taken from GOOD COP following its win in race 4, the COBBITTY EQUINE FARM PACE (2040 metres) conducted at Parkes on Monday 4 October 2021;
- Modafinil Acid detected in the post-race urine sample taken from CLOWNS TO THE LEFT following its win in race 3, the HILLTOPS EQUINE CENTRE PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 15 February 2022;
- Modafinil detected in the post-race blood sample taken from SPECIAL MEANING following its win in race 6, the SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE (2120 metres) conducted at Dubbo on Friday 18 February 2022.
The reserve portions and control solutions for the urine samples and the ‘B’ sample for the blood sample were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, provided evidence to the Inquiry that the presence of Modafinil and Modafinil Acid could have resulted from contamination within the stable environment.
Consequently, Mr Townsend was fined $1,000 in relation to each charge
The subject horses were disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195.
In addition, HRNSW Stewards issued a charge against Mr Nathan Townsend pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 190 (1), (3) & (4).
Mr Nathan Townsend reserved his plea and the matter was adjourned to allow him to seek legal advice.
Appeal Decision
- 26 July 2022– Mr Malcolm Locke withdrew an appeal against the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 18 years and 9 months after he was found guilty of five (5) charges following a HRNSW Steward’s Inquiry into the results of an Out of Competition blood sample taken from the horse TUNGSTEN TERROR on 2 September 2020 while that horse was being trained and cared for by licensed Trainer Mr Malcolm Locke.
Integrity Information
- During the month of July 2022, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 743 Race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 6 July 2022 – Arrival Times Elevated TCO2 Levels as at 06/07/2022. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 7 July 2022 – June Integrity Updates and Information. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 13 July 2022 – Cobalt Samples Analysed since 13/07/2020. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 15 July 2022 – Mr Stan Townsend- HRNSW Steward’s Inquiry. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 27 July 2022 – Arrival Times Elevated TCO2 Levels as at 27/07/2022. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
