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 –
- 24 July 2023– Mr Aaron Goadsby– HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from LUVARESCHS following its win in race 8, the HRNSW GUARANTEED 2YO PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 26 May 2023.
The ‘B’ sample and control sample have been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Inquiries Conducted –
- 24 July 2023– Mr Colin Sanders pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4) following a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Arsenic above the allowable threshold had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse ARGENT PEAK following its win in race 1, the GLEN MIA SADDLERY (ACT) PACE (1770 metres) conducted at Canberra on Monday 23 January 2023.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
In respect of that charge, Mr Sanders was convicted, however, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mr Sanders as they were satisfied to the requisite standard that the detection of Arsenic was consistent with the chronic ingestion of treated wood by ARGENT PEAK.
Mr Sanders was cautioned that he must take all reasonable measures in future to manage his training establishment and horses to prevent any further prohibited substance matters arising as a result of the wooden fencing at his registered training establishment.
The subject horse was disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195.
Appeal Decisions –
- 10 July 2023– Mr Grant Forrest appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 7 days after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 168(1)(a) when driving the horse SHEETWEB WEAVER in Race 7 at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 1 July 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was dismissed and the suspension of 7 days was confirmed.
- 25 July 2023– Mr Michael Formosa appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 18 days after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse STELLAS DELIGHT in Race 5 at Newcastle on Monday 5 June 2023. Mr Formosa changed his plea at Appeal and by decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was upheld and the suspension of 18 days was set aside.
Integrity Information –
- During the month of July 2023, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 691 Race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices –
- 5 July 2023 – Arrival Times Elevated TCO2 Levels as at 05/07/2023. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 12 July 2023 – Mr Cameron Ross- Inquiry Commenced. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 13 July 2023 – June 2023 Integrity Updates & Information. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 20 July 2023 – Equine Veterinarians Australia Alert. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 20 July 2023 – Log Books. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 24 July 2023 – Mr Colin Sanders- Inquiry Conducted. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
