On Wednesday 16 July 2025 Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards, acting under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 183 (a), (b), (c) & (d), suspended the Trainer and Driver’s licences of Mr Tony Bertwistle after receiving advice from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the prescribed threshold had been detected in the following samples:
- Pre-race blood sample taken from the horse HARLEEQUIN prior to it finishing 5th in race 7, the NUTRIEN SALES CLASSIC 3YO FILLIES HEAT (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle on Saturday 5 April 2025;
- Post-race urine sample taken from the horse HARLEEQUIN following its win in race 2, the ODE OF REMEMBRANCE PACE (2125 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 24 April 2025.
HRNSW Stewards considered all available information, together with submissions provided by Mr Bertwistle, prior to the imposition of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 183.
Mr Bertwistle was informed of his right to appeal this decision.
A date for the Inquiry has not been scheduled at this time.
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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