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 –
26 September– Mr Nathan Jack – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race blood sample taken from SKINNYDIP NZ following its win in race 4, the MATARANKA PARK STANDARDBREDS PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 21 July 2023;
The ‘B’ sample has been sent to Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria for confirmation.
Inquiries Conducted –
13 September 2023 – Mr Robert Xerri – HRNSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from NUI TOC TIEN NZ prior to race 8, the NATIONALTROTGUIDE.COM.AU PACE (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 15 August 2020.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Trainer Mr Robert Xerri was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, documents including the Certificates of Analysis were tendered. Evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott was also presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Xerri pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) and he was disqualified for a period of 13 months to commence immediately.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, AUSTRALIANA was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
19 September 2023 – Ms Brooke McPherson & Mr Tom Gilligan – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into the conduct of licensed Trainer/Driver Ms Brooke McPherson and licensed Driver Mr Tom Gilligan in relation to the registered standardbred LOOKINFORAREASON, a horse trained by Ms McPherson that was engaged in race 5, the HARNESS TRADING RING AUSTRALIA PACE (1740 metres) at Wagga on Friday 4 August 2023.
LOOKINFORAREASON was subsequently withdrawn from the race by order of the Stewards. An investigation was commenced on 4 August 2023 after HRNSW Stewards observed Ms McPherson to administer the contents of a syringe into the mouth of LOOKINFORAREASON whilst the horse was located in the horse float during transportation to the racecourse.
Ms McPherson and Mr Gilligan were present at the Inquiry via Zoom and presented evidence in relation to the horse LOOKINFORAREASON and their husbandry practices.
Results of analysis for the blood and urine samples obtained from LOOKINFORAREASON were presented and confirmed that there were no prohibited substances detected. In addition, the results of analysis for items used in the administration were also presented and although these confirmed that there were no prohibited substances detected, the presence of alkalinising agents was reported.
HRNSW Stewards issued a charge against Ms McPherson pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 196C(1)(a) & (2)(a). Ms McPherson pleaded guilty and was disqualified for a period of 6 months to commence from 8 August 2023, the date upon which she was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183.
HRNSW Stewards also issued a charge against Mr Gilligan pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 196C(1)(a) & (2)(d). Mr Gilligan pleaded guilty and was suspended for a period of 3 months to commence immediately.
Appeal Decisions –
- 6 September 2023– Ms Molly Ison appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend her driver’s licence for a period of 14 days after she pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse BRADNESS ABUELA in Race 7 at Tamworth on Thursday 17 August 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the severity appeal was upheld and a 7 day suspension imposed.
In addition, Ms Ison also appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend her driver’s licence for a period of 4 weeks after she pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 149 (2) from the same race. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the severity appeal was upheld and a reprimand was imposed.
- 6 September 2023– Mr Tom Ison appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 21 days after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse OUR AUNTY ASH in Race 5 at Tamworth on Thursday 24 August 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal against conviction and penalty was dismissed and the 21 day suspension confirmed.
- 9 September 2023– Mr Lucas Rando 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 OUTSIDE FIGHTER in Race 8 at Bankstown on Thursday 24 August 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was dismissed and the 7 day suspension confirmed.
- 22 September 2023– Mr Aaron Goadsby appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify ARTISTIC SCOTT and KOZACYNSKI from Race 10 at Newcastle on 21 July 2023 after the horses wore the incorrect saddle cloth numbers and started from the incorrect barriers. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was dismissed and the disqualification of the horses confirmed.
- 22 September 2023– Mr Arthur Clancy appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his driver’s licence for a period of 14 days after he was found guilty of a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 163(1)(a)(iii) when driving the horse ROSE OF JULIANA in Race 1 at Cowra on Sunday 17 September 2023. By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the appeal was upheld and the suspension set aside.
Integrity Information –
- During the month of September 2023, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 829 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices –
- 6 September 2023 – Arrival Times Elevated TCO2 Levels as at 06/09/2023. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 13 September 2023 – Mr Robert Xerri- Inquiry Conducted. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 13 September 2023 – August 2023 Integrity Updates & Information. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 18 September 2023 – Arrival Times Elevated TCO2 Levels as at 18/09/2023. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
- 21 September 2023 – Ms Brooke McPherson & Mr Tom Gilligan- Inquiry Concluded. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
